@radicalbranding

Creative Chronicle

2012-02-09T08:18:00.000-08:00

Fellow Marketeers, Brand Gurus, and Innovators:

While enjoying some evening news, the business portion shared some interesting viral marketing for a recently released movie, "Chronicle".

Three human shaped RC planes were flown around New York City to create the illusion of people flying, playing on the characters ability to fly in the movie.

This stunt was relevant, fun, and has inspired more than seven million hits on YouTube, and PR by way of articles, social media, and news coverage. Great example of leveraging something relational to the product at hand, energizing a brand based on truth (in this case, the truth is the fantasy of having the ability to fly, so 'movie truth' - a relevant emotion to the movie characters, energized by a creative initiative anyway), and sharing an experience with folks in a way that was not intrusive, speaking 'at' you, and simply entertaining.

20th Century Fox hired viral marketing agency Thinkmodo to design and execute a rather unique campaign element that surely caused several double-takes over the New York City skyline.

Imagine walking in Central Park, or being in one of the hundreds of buildings in NYC and looking out the window to see this amazing site of the appearance of people flying - you ask what it is, why are they doing that, search for it, tell a friend, share a link, and "BAM!", success! Even if you didn't plan on seeing this movie, you're talking about it - and it is now interesting.

A great example of great marketing. No, better yet - a great example of human driven branding, entertaining, engaging viral marketing, and good ol' fun!

Why Appreciation Matters So Much - Tony Schwartz - Harvard Business Review

2012-01-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

Why Appreciation Matters So Much - Tony Schwartz - Harvard Business Review

HBR Blog Network

Tony Schwartz

Tony Schwartz is the president and CEO of The Energy Project and the author of Be Excellent at Anything. Become a fan of The Energy Project on Facebook and connect with Tony at Twitter.com/TonySchwartz and Twitter.com/Energy_Project.

Why Appreciation Matters So Much

9:44 AM Monday January 23, 2012 | Comments (8)

I've just returned from an offsite with our team at The Energy Project. As we concluded, I asked each person to take a few moments to say what he or she felt most proud of accomplishing over the past year.

After each brief recounting, I found myself adding some observations about what I appreciated in that person. Before long, others were chiming in. The positive energy was contagious, but it's not something we can ever take for granted.

Whatever else each of us derives from our work, there may be nothing more precious than the feeling that we truly matter — that we contribute unique value to the whole, and that we're recognized for it.

The single highest driver of engagement, according to a worldwide study conducted by Towers Watson, is whether or not workers feel their managers is genuinely interested in their wellbeing. Less than 40 percent of workers felt so engaged.

Feeling genuinely appreciated lifts people up. At the most basic level, it makes us feel safe, which is what frees us to do our best work. It's also energizing. When our value feels at risk, as it so often does, that worry becomes preoccupying, which drains and diverts our energy from creating value.

So why is it that openly praising or expressing appreciation to other people at work can so easily seem awkward, contrived, mawkish and even disingenuous?

The obvious answer is that we're not fluent in the language of positive emotions in the workplace. We're so unaccustomed to sharing them that we don't feel comfortable doing so. Heartfelt appreciation is a muscle we've not spent much time building, or felt encouraged to build.

Oddly, we're often more experienced at expressing negative emotions — reactively and defensively, and often without recognizing their corrosive impact on others until much later, if we do at all.

That's unfortunate. The impact of negative emotions — and more specifically the feeling of being devalued — is incredibly toxic. As Daniel Goleman has written, "Threats to our standing in the eyes of others are almost as powerful as those to our very survival."

In one well-known study, workers who felt unfairly criticized by a boss or felt they had a boss who didn't listen to their concerns had a 30 percent higher rate of coronary disease than those who felt treated fairly and with care.

In the workplace itself, researcher Marcial Losada has found that among high-performing teams, the expression of positive feedback outweighs that of negative feedback by a ratio of 5.6 to 1. By contrast, low-performing teams have a ratio of .36 to 1.

So what are the practical steps you can take, especially as a manager, to use appreciation in the service of building a higher-performing (and more sustainable) team?

1. As the Hippocratic oath prescribes to physicians, "Above all else, do no harm." Or perhaps more accurately, do less harm, since it's unrealistic to do none. The costs of devaluing others are so great that we need to spend far more time thinking than we do now about how to hold people's value, even in situations where they've fallen short and our goal is get them to change their behavior for the better.

2. Practice appreciation by starting with yourself. If you have difficulty openly appreciating others, it's likely you also find it difficult to appreciate yourself. Take a few moments at the end of the day to ask yourself this simple question: "What can I rightly feel proud of today?" If you are committed to constant self-improvement, you can also ask yourself, "What could I do better tomorrow?" Both questions hold your value.

3. Make it a priority to notice what others are doing right. The more you work at it, the better you'll get at it, and the more natural it will become for you. For example, start by thinking about what positive qualities, behaviors and contributions you currently take for granted among the members of your team. Then ask yourself, what is it that each of them uniquely brings to the table?

4. Be appreciative. The more specific you can be about what you value — and the more you notice what's most meaningful to that person — the more positive your impact on that person is likely to be. A handwritten note makes a bigger impression than an email or a passing comment, but better any one of them than nothing at all.

We're all more vulnerable and needy than we like to imagine. Authentically appreciating others will make you feel better about yourself, and it will also increase the likelihood they'll invest more in their work, and in you. The human instinct for reciprocity runs deep.

Success

2012-01-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

Friend >>

The road to compelling advertising that is human driven, truthful, identifies the essence and purpose of a product/service, and inspires results beyond survivability can be summarized by this picture.

Never give up, but also don't repeat the same mistakes as prior. Rather, enact flexible agility, savvy strategy, and focused passion into your work. You'll be amazed at how this simple illustration dismissed what is 'taught' by society, and is in fact a substantially realistic situation daily in our lives, as well as marketing.

That, and pictures - as we are aware, encourage reflection, thought, and perspective. "Siegel" hopes this adjusts your perspective for the greater good of your journey.

We must give credit, where credit is due [thank you Demetri Martin for this]

Let's talk, we have some awesome to lead together,
siegel | innovations
interact@siegelinnovations.com
www.siegelinnovations.com

"How you react to obstacles defines your identity!"

Vote for heartprints inc. on Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 in the Toyota 100...

2011-05-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPFyvTsSa6k

Great Job heartprints inc., and good luck!

By way of the non-profit >>

Vote for heartprints inc. on Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program

heartprints inc. is honored to announce we've been named a finalist in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good program.

The next step is for you to vote for us Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 on Toyota's Facebook page, facebook.com/toyota, as we compete for a new Toyota vehicle that will be utilized to amplify our capacity to improve the lives of youth and families through Mentoring, Jobs, and Outreach.

Thank you for scheduling a moment 5/11/11 to vote for us via www.facebook.com/Toyota, and your time. Your support means we can increase our positive impact reach to the youth and families we serve. Feel free to share this 'event' with your network as well!

Pampers. For every little miracle. (Pampers Commercial)

2011-05-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Great Job Pampers Team!

Coke Zero Commercial (Duh, duh, duh duh duh duh >> Huh, huh, huh, huh, huh huh?!)

2011-04-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

Coca-Cola, your "Brand Manager" Commercials are not relational.

*posted via facebook (www.facebook.com/heartprints) here are the responses + conversation >>

Ghoncheh Globe likes this.

Crystal Judge but coke is so good, especially real sugar coke... mmm.
15 hours ago ·
Brian Siegel I wasn't criticizing they're proven product/supply chain/Brand Awareness/taste, just they're "now" marketing of Coke Zero : )
15 hours ago ·
Crystal Judge mmm... coke.
15 hours ago ·
Jennifer Ryder Raabe Agree---every time we see the ads we go "huh?"
7 hours ago ·
Elle Morris I don't find them humorous but clearly the "brand managers" who were in charge of getting the campaign made did. Do they really think that middle America knows or cares about the marketing infrastructure of Coke? Talk about being myopic...
7 hours ago · · 1 personLoading...
Crystal Judge Now I want to see the commercial. Still glad I don't have a TV :)
7 hours ago ·
Jennifer Ryder Raabe ‎@ Crystal: Here you go. They are stupid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UzU7sQFZKo&playnext=1&list=PL82A28C7A61C90ED7
about an hour ago ·
Jennifer Ryder Raabe Now here's a GREAT ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxVd_cA8Ick
about an hour ago · · 1 personLoading...
Brian Siegel I love Branding, and know several funny Brand Managers, but for their commercials, I don't feel this 'brand strategy' resonates with those outside of the realm.
about an hour ago ·
Brian Siegel I feel they got the slogan right (well, the tone, if you write it out, it looks baaaad, "Duh, duh, duh, duh, duh duh")

Duh.
about an hour ago ·
Brian Siegel ‎@Jen: What a cute lil guy, so nice, ha
about an hour ago ·
Brian Siegel ‎"Huh, huh, huh, huh, huh, huh" ?!
about an hour ago ·
Jennifer Ryder Raabe Nice ad and good connection between product and ad messaging. Vs. dumb coke ads that have you changing the channel.
about an hour ago ·

Brand Promise (Motorola)

2011-03-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

::Brand Promise::
http://siegelinnovations.blogspot.com/2011/03/brand-promise-motorola.html

BMA Event: Gyro:HSR, Eduardo Conrado, Motorola, CMO 3.29.11

Enjoyed hearing Eduardo Conrado speak around the power of Brand Purpose, and how Motorola has implemented game changing efforts that influence not only externally, but internally.

Appreciated the holistic alignment throughout the various elements of the organization, as all as with the (resonating) messaging to consumers.

It is important not only to have a mission, but a purpose that can simply, yet articulately educate others around the explanation of your brand.

Here's Motorola's refined Brand Promise >> "We innovate to mobilize and connect people in the moments that matter."

Interact with more of Motorola's rebranding efforts >> http://www.motorolasolutions.com/US-EN/Home?WT.tsrc=Georedirects

http://www.allbusiness.com/marketing-advertising/market-groups-vertical-markets/15452112-1.html

Learn more about Eduardo Conrado >> http://www.btobonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101011/FREE/310119975

Distilling the truth of an organization

2011-03-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

Place Branding vs. Bland Car Commercial

2011-03-24T21:54:00.000-07:00

I usually cringe at car commercials due to their bland redundancies, but this one still remains one of my favorites.

It earned that right due to it surpassing the traditional illumination of a car driving through physical obstacles, and integrated the 'motor city story', hometown popular music, rough/rugged personality, with style.

The shorter version that continues to air also plucks the heart string, sharing that 'place branding', America, our story, perseverance, toughness, and charisma can be found beyond four wheels.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APS9tso1G9k

15 Philosophies

2011-02-25T22:35:00.000-08:00

Having values, acting with those values, and communicating your values are all different ways you convey your belief system. I feel by writing out your top 15 values (or 'philosophies'), describing them, and sharing them through appropriate mediums (such as a bio, or other materials), can convey more about who people are engaging with.

When you think around such an initiative, it not only displays what you are passionate about, or differentiates you, but also the items you may share with other people, and organizations. Any time you go beyond stating your opinions, and write them out, it also allows you to decipher what you are truly committed to with more vitality. Here are mine. I would love to hear yours.

Brian Siegel “Handshake”
15 Philosophies

1. “We’re as great as we help others become!”: Service above self is true leadership.
The key to success is to help others achieve the greatness that is inside them. A servant leader places self-interest behind the goal of achieving an Organization‟s objectives, and helps others win. You get what you give, so give more than you want.

2. Innovative Insights: The key to driving creativity, and winning in business, as well as life.
Genuinely caring about meeting and exceeding the true needs of your consumer or client, and providing deliverables are driven by listening. At times, to gain insight can require you to suspend your beliefs. Utilize learned patterns, but also integrate instinct.

3. Relationship, Service and Community Driven
Leaving a legacy requires focus on building leadership, purpose, and capability. Winning once may be simple luck, but winning consistently requires skill, passion, and a clearly articulated vision. Focusing on what can improve the lives of individuals, organizations, and communities through your efforts drives winning business strategies.

4. The gift of inspiring others
Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish and you feed them for a lifetime. Leading by example, teaching, and mentoring supplies mutual benefit to all parties. This helps individuals, as well as organizations grow. No one achieves anything great without the support of others. The past doesn‟t have a future, but today does.

5. Vision: Expanding perception, providing clarity, and solutions.
When reasonable people disagree, it can be due to not looking at the same facts. Being available to gain clarity on the truth of a situation by looking at it through another person‟s lens often leads to alternative solutions. Seeing beyond your own horizon is key.

6. Choosing the harder right vs. the easy wrong.
It is easy to flow with the current, but it‟s our duty to adhere to values no matter the waters. I have learned it is important to have a strong moral compass to guide your actions. In business, it is sometimes helpful to leave your ego at the door, it is unacceptable to abandon your morals. Never sacrifice quality for cost. You do not have to be a product of your environment.

7. Significance > Success: “How you react to obstacles defines your identity!”
Challenges are opportunities. You will fail, how you choose to manage that situation dictates your purpose, and also results. Being significant through “passionate, persistent, patience” allows success to be a byproduct.

8. Writing improves thinking, strategy, and planning.
It is better to fail on paper than in the market. Writing allows you to share reason and logic for critique. Gaps can then be identified, clarity shared, and solutions provided. It takes courage to share thoughts on paper, as it opens you up to judgment. Respect is a universal language that we can all share.

9. Integrity and Trust: Mom was right, Actions > Words, and if life hands you lemons, make lemonade (or make a lemonade stand!).
Transparency is a measure of character, and integrity is a byproduct of trustworthy action. Lead and follow via the Golden Rule.

10. Inspiring and informing.
People intellectually committed can achieve impressive results. But, great things are achieved when people are emotionally committed. I have always been impressed by the underdogs who defy the odds and win. They play with passion and often will their way to success. They inspire greatness in others because of their actions. “Follow the advice you give to others.” (Proverb)

11. Innovation: Challenge existing systems, respectfully.
If two reasonable people cannot find a win/win solution that benefits both, then it is appropriate to “agree to disagree agreeably” and have no deal. This position avoids the destructive behaviors of manipulation, pushing for your position at the expense of others, and disrespect. Be skeptical, but not cynical. At times, you must recognize that you don‟t have to reinvent the wheel to turn it differently.

12. “Never doubt yourself, that’s what everyone else is for!”
Be decisive, have educated discipline, and (when needed) surpass judgmental surroundings to achieve your goals. Move your feet vs. be a groove in a seat. Good things may come to those who wait, but great things come to those who make things happen!

13. “Failing to prepare, is preparation for failure.” - Abraham Lincoln
Do your homework! Proper research is key for calculated risks. Ask questions and involve others.

14. Constantly Learn: Improve your knowledge economy.
Learn from everyone, and be open to diverse ideas. “You are as wise as the things you know; that you don‟t know!”. Be available to adapt to change, evolve, stay curious about life; and maintain balance by learning „what really matters‟.

15. Leadership: Be of humble grace.
Do not allow ego to deter your leadership. Having confidence does not mean being prideful. Work to gather the right people on the right projects, for the right reasons. When needed, lead by following. Speak with a smile, walk with truth, and be of purpose driven meaning. Leadership and positive attitude are a lifestyle, not an event.

Laughter Yoga

2011-02-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

"Laughter Yoga"

Innovating Health & Wellness

In today's fast paced, and high stressed environments, companies now more than ever are investing in innovative methods that increase employee health, wellness, and productivity. Perhaps it's as easy as smiles and laughter!

"Laughovation" >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eB3ISAYE-I&feature=related

Price Diving

2010-12-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

Interesting advertisement (I saw on facebook) to go Sky Diving. I have been Sky Diving, and the thought of something being 'half off', and is an 'all or nothing' risky venture, wouldn't appeal to me.

Sure, it's great to have a discounted price on anything, but paying bottom dollar, for something you want to land safely at the bottom for, doesn't insinuate confidence in safety. How would you re-tailor + balance this approach to inspire safety, yet with a great price?

Enjoy the perspective (here's the add content + picture). If anything, it goes to show people notice the ad on facebooks social platform >>

Half Off Sky Diving
groupon.com
$119 for a tandem skydive with Skydive Warren County in Lebanon ($239 value). Experienced instructors, exhilarating experience. Go now!

INNOVATING THE EXPERIENCE

2010-12-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

"Promotion wins quarters. Innovation wins decades." - P&G CEO Bob McDonald at company analyst meeting

Here were some thoughts I had in response to this (quote shared by Dave Knox, CMO of Rockfish Interactive)

BEYOND THE BARCODE

it's @ the experience.

$ bottom line = bottom (fall)OUT! Do the right things, the right way, and the money will follow you vs. you chasing the mighty dollar. Due to this being more qualitative at times, requiring intelligent patience for the process, and not being a quick turn key result, the quantitative driven financial meetings can tsunami brilliance. It's not about 'getting' a client\\customer, it's about 'earning' and advocate.

This not only inspires sustainability, it can energize you to 'surpass sustainability' by way of loyalty, and invites strategic perspectives beyond a transactional relationship. It's about the experience, fueling a relationship that is mutually beneficial beyond a one hit wonder, and innovating such an approach. Of course, not everyone can orchestrate such an effort that not only conducts relationship driven methods, within surviving the budget\sales\revenue\cost financial bubbles.

That my friends, is an art, and why all this digital\creative\design 'stuff' is amazing, as one can be savvy + resourceful during the most challenging economic storm or hardship, to create ways to inspire these relationships beyond the traditional advertising barriers. We have seen how new (now a matured new) media, moving towards full integration, mobile, and other creative platforms for marketing, in tandem with discovering ways to share information with people can be achieved without a $1M+ television commercial. Viewing spaces, people portals, and organically planted genius can be planted eloquently in various methods now. Examples >>

It's about driving (meaningful) interactive engagement\\social focus = success.
those that do this, such as P&G, live true to being agile, learning, humble to insights vs. their ego, and developing Talent Supply that integrate this into their DNA not only succeed, they THRIVE. Implementing purpose driven brands, that serve 'with' vs. 'at' someone, in tandem with closing the gaps between existence\\ideas\\people\\goals are essential.

That's leadership, and that's great business.appreciate this being shared, and the genius comments. LOVE the amazing people internal (in tandem with external) of the Cincinnati region generating such brilliant conversations >>

Happy Holidays!

As a Matter of Fractal

2010-12-14T18:12:00.001-08:00

>>Metaphoric Mathematical Marketing <<

Fractals http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractal led to innovating keys to mysterious relationships between mass and functionality in math/geometry/science. What was once difficult to measure, was translated into a way of formulating clarity around direction.

Much like 'Social Media' when it burst onto the scene, everyone liked it, needed it, and wanted to utilize it, all while seeking to hone in on strategic focus/vision in relation to the platform. It is a piece of a puzzle, to create a refined picture. Instead of 'hidden nebulous dimensions', Social Media began as the 'fractals' of a fictional world, then transitioned into a non-fiction reality utilized constantly for greater purpose/interaction.

I relate discovering such insights to how marketing/branding/advertising has utilized various platforms to realize\understand behavior\\decisions\\patterns of people in relation to products + services.

Also, learning more about relationships between two or more entities to formulate theories/approaches to energize new methods of data collection, as well as new design are interesting as our 'new media' world of Coding\\Graphics\\Mobile\\Social Media, and related.

How our thoughts, objects, and decisions are made as individuals, and also as crowds, can be shown to not merely be chaotic, but presented in a diagnostic manner that makes sense! By way of fractals, scientists can measure the patterns of trees in a forest that may seem random, but show the relationship of interaction amongst the trees, but also how it breathes/engages CO2 processes. A designer of clothing can utilize innovative patterns on apparel via fractals (not only for their shapes, but for the process at which it is implemented in manufacturing). Like measuring fractals, Social Media can make sense of the random patterns of 'likes' on facebook, measure site hits, Crowds/Communities, and various trends. In both cases, it eliminates the noise, and validates the purpose of various movements/shifts.

We can see these patterns through the various distributions of frequencies, and understanding + navigating Brand Environments + Experiences. What may be perceived as random, can be shown to have structure, in tandem with value. As "Consumer Insights" and engaging participation are to Social Media, "Geometrical Insights" are to innovating ideas and relationships to Mathematics.

Brought to you by brilliant@siegelinnovations.com

Engage in conversation with us around ways to 'bring your brand alive'

Business | Personal | *radical

2010-11-11T06:47:00.001-08:00

"It's All Personal"

Whoever said "It's not personal, it's business.", was (and is) wrong. "Radical Idea" = It is all personal! Think of when, and who has said this line to you. What were the circumstances, and the purpose of this less than caring, all too often "my bad" for those who selfishly engage in an activity benefiting only one party. Business being personal, is not an event, it's a lifestyle. It's not a personal opinion, it's a proven method of marketing strategy and brand building/engagement/strategy. If you learn that business and personal are not independent of each other, you will learn one of the secrets as to why some leaders encapsulate the essence of a 'charismatic energy', and happiness. They simple integrate their lives holistically, being aware and in tune with the that fact they are, what they do. So, are you!

What is business? Websters Dictionary defines it as follows >> http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/business

Definition and Descriptions: Notice the 'personal' interaction with people, and life these descriptions share >>

purposeful activity
an immediate task or objective : mission business here>
a particular field of endeavor
a means of livelihood
movement or action
maximum effort
an activity
a personal endeavor and concern

*for humor only, no lie, check it out for yourself via the definition > a bowel movement —used especially of pets (I hope your 'business' does not portray, or smell, this depiction, ha, laugh, it's good for us all)

Synonyms: Notice the 'custom' word, is short for 'customer', but also 'custom' is a personally tailored experience/project, and patronage is 'interaction'. custom, patronage

Antonyms: Notice the 'antonyms' our society tags 'business' with, and you wonder why it is a 'dog eat dog' vs. 'dog feed dog' industry, this 'business' we are in! allegiance, devotion, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, staunchness, steadfastness

Related Words: marketplace, trade, traffic; free trade; affairs, dealings, horse-trading; merchandising, retailing, wholesaling

Near Antonyms: My humor button is pressed when I see 'near antonyms' being 'trustworthiness and dependability', we know the truth ; ) dependability, reliability, trustworthiness; defense, protection, safeguard, shield

Business is not a one way transaction, where one side is the giver, the other is the receiver, and an entity merely becomes a repository for garbage of some form. It is an interactive, engaging, and participatory experience, between two or more parties. Hopefully, both sides mutually benefit, but all too often, in today's 'bottom line results driven' world, someone is attempting to 'one up' the other through a deal.

I present to you a radical idea. The idea is to seek to submit to someone else with humility the service/product you are selling, and encourage a way that you both may benefit, transparently, through a collaborative, servant leadership, and learn how you both may profit beyond immediate monetary distribution/reception. In the short term, you will not benefit as grand financially, but long term, you will reap what you sow from such action through this approach. Think around this as a "social business", not that you are giving something away, not necessarily a not-for-profit, but your strategy is similar. You seek out how you may better serve a community\consumer\citizen vs. how to "get" their money. You seek to "earn" someones business by sharing your idea\product\service, engage in a friendship, and through this relational approach, you won't have a 'one hit wonder', but you shall thrive a lifetime. A good example may be someone purchasing, no, investing during a meeting in someone's lunch/coffee, realizing that this gratitude may end up serving their dinner for meals to arrive from conversation and interaction. It's not selfish, it's 'for self', it's not 'giving to get', but 'getting by giving'. You have heard some of this before, and I am not radically seeking to change a sales approach, business strategy, or put you out of business by giving the farm away, but more by 'processing the milk differently'.

At times, being courteous, giving, a servant, or friendship are counter-intuitive in cut throat, competitive environments. I say, it's novel, as well as noble. There's a class to approaching people, and business, in a personally respectful, and engaging manner. The folks/leaders that learn this, are top sales performers, entrepreneurs, and leaders on a personal, and professional standpoint. You cannot separate the two. If you act one way at home, then another way at work, you will get post traumatic stress disorder trying to figure out why you're stressed at work, and the primary reason is because you aren't being you, or you can't be you. Why are you happy at home, but dread and trudge into work? It's not because of business, but perhaps your approach. That, in tandem with spending vs. investing so much time at work compared to home, leadership you do not align with, and other stressors can generate traction for disaster (and plain old simple horrible anxiety/feelings). Who wants to live like that?!It's like being a Christian, but you do not invite God into your drive, words, thoughts, actions, coffee time, music, writing, work, or other activities. If you separate the two, you are not living as your true self, holistically. Why bring up spirituality, life, and leadership with business? Glad you asked, it's because they're all integrated.

You end up feeling empty, because of this separation. I am not saying you have to stand on your cubicle or corner office desk and shout out your personal opinions, but simply (and personally) with respect to your environment(s), integrate your holistic self with accountable ownership. All too often we worry about "making money", then "money ends up making you". Your identity is more than a spreadsheet, balance sheet, income statements (although, success can certainly be measured quantitatively by way of these necessary business tools/measure), but can be defined also via qualitative measures and aptitudes. Essentially, you are not a robot, and if you act as so, buying into the notion that 'business is not personal', you will discover the underlying reasons under the cold dark stingy boulder you're feeling empty, guilty, tired, fearful, and exhausted.

Business is personal. You will gain more traction with others in business, as well as your own self, but implementing servant driven strategies. It's a personal connection, and decision to be intentional, accountable, and of integrity with your relationships, as well as business (my point is they're one in the same, as you have customers at home, work, ... everywhere!). It is more than a transaction, it is a strategic interaction. An engagement between people, sharing goods/services/funds, and we all are aware at how important a role 'funds' play in our behavior, decisions, emotions, feelings, and life. How much more personal can you get? Successful marketing firms, agencies, and other organizations 'get this'. They understand, and build a business, on driving/creating/inventing ways to engage consumers better, faster, cheaper, and all while not intruding upon the virtue of quality. Discovering ways to share a message, convey the right identity, and interact with a consumer/customer to inspire a purchase, is a personal investment. Energizing a 'moment of truth', or as I like to define as 'Spark Marks', are considered, from shape/smell/design/aura/space/platform/etc. to invite a purchase, but we all know building loyalty for sustainable interaction and long term/frequent purchases (or as I like to label, "investments") are key for the Marketing world (unless you have a rare one of a kind priceless item, but even then, how did it get deemed this coveted item/identity). We bring these items, whether it's a car, toilet paper, razor, food, or other CPG products into our homes, put them on our bodies, eat them, touch them, digest them, see them, and they are present for personal moments during our lives. How is 'business not personal'? How much more personal can you get?! Money, decisions, investments, bathrooms, kitchens, clothes, etc., how can you separate your decisions to purchase, between the gap of 'it's just business/I just need this'? Those who figure out, dissect, and analyze the purpose for purchase, tapping into the psyche of a community\consumer, are brilliant geniuses, who are coveted creatives, inspiring a truly "Personal Business | Business of Personal". Once you figure this out, you will radically adjust your business/development approach, as well as begin analyzing your own decisions.

With encouragement,
Brian Siegel

"We're as great as we help others become!"

*Seek to build your brand, bring it alive, and integrate bold game changing marketing into your business/systems? Give us a hello@siegelinnovations.com today! We will build + create custom strategies to inspire (genuinely authentic) 'personal engagement + participation' between your business + consumers!

www.siegelinnovations.com
@radicalbranding

surpassing sustainability, together

Innovation via Emotion

2010-10-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Disney Pixar Up - Married Life - Carl & Ellie by Michael Giacchino
the way a simple movie scene can leave a 'spark mark'

*Amazing scene from the movie "Up" (yes, watched the movie up, ha) >>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GroDErHIM_0

*Great job sharing a sequence that inspires you to live life to the fullest, love those close to you more, and respect how time is a resource that can be a consistent scarcity.

::if this doesn't touch your heart, you better check your pulse::
Marketers/Advertisers are always trying to pull at your heart strings, I felt this did a pretty good job, was simple, engaging, and relational (what great 'marketing' is)

Live | Laugh | Love

New UPS ad "That's Logistics" - created by O&M - 60 second UK version

2010-09-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

LOVE UPS's new campaign, great job Ogilvy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKjm43_K-tY&feature=related

"that's Logistics" & "that's awesome!"

Social Media Marketing: Agency Insights

2010-09-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

FedEx(cellent)

2010-09-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

Stay true to your innovation
C Paper Turned into A+ Opportunity!

Frederick W. Smith (webmaster@fedex.com)
first proposed the idea of overnight delivery in a paper that he wrote
as an undergraduate at Yale University. (The now-famous paper earned him
... only a C from his professor.) Smith founded Federal Express in
1971, and he is now chairman, president, and CEO of the $17 billion
company. FedEx Corp. delivers nearly 5 million packages worldwide each
business day.

*see this and more at Fast Company
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/33/one.html

Scrap Paper or Opportunity?!

2010-09-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Be open to opportunity

Art Fry (alfry@mmm.com) came
up with the idea for Post-it Notes during church-choir practice. It's a
story that has become almost a legend in the annals of innovation: The
...scraps of paper that he used to mark his hymnal would constantly fall
out, and he felt the need for a more cooperative bookmark. At the time,
he was working in new-product development for the retail-tape division
of 3M and had been trying to figure out what to do with a new, low-tack
adhesive that a coworker, Spencer Silver, had invented. The result,
Post-it Notes, celebrates its 30th birthday this month.

*See this and more innovations at Fast Company
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/33/one.html

10 Ways to Inspire Innovation and BE RADICAL!

2010-09-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

10 Ways to be Radical!

1.) Challenge existing systems
2.) Think beyond convention, but stay relevant to the goals
3.) Listen to others, and reach out to people smarter than you
...4.) Discover ways to be of service and value to others
5.) Find collaborations and sources to partner with to learn. Constantly evolve, and be of humble grace vs. allow ego to be your own obstacle
6.) Provide solutions to problems (don't just do/make something for its own sake, create it for a bigger purpose/significance)
7.) Hone in on your target audience
8.) Utilize social media for intelligence vs. verbal vomiting! It's a great marketing tool, just utilize and leverage it for the right job, not for the sake of using it.
9.) Align your work, actions, and goals (you'd be surprised at how people may need to recalibrate this!)
10.) Stop waiting for things to happen to you, and empower yourself to lead your ideas!

www.siegelinnovations.com
@radicalbranding
hello@siegelinnovations.com

You're in luck, we're hiring clients! Interact@siegelinnovations.com today!

Pitfalls in Social Media Strategies

2010-08-18T00:29:00.001-07:00

Why Social Media Projects Fail?! – A European Perspective.

Why Social Media Projects Fail?! – A European Perspective

View more presentations from BSI.

10 Tips for Corporate Blogging

2010-07-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

*shared from Mashable http://mashable.com/2010/07/20/corporate-blogging-tips/#

A blog is a great way to implement further interaction techniques with your company, consumers, and community to invite further experience of your brand. Here is an article shared by Mashable, thank you, that outline some simple things to keep in mind while blogging. Enjoy! Do you or your company need an ambitiously tenacious team of Brand Strategists to help you amplify your marketing through blogging, social media, digital/interact, and other creative strategies?! Give us a hello@siegelinnovations.com today, we're always looking for new clients to become friends with!

10 Tips for Corporate Blogging

"Social Media Strategist"?!

2010-07-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

What makes a "Social Media Strategist"?!

While companies focus heavily on the newest trends in marketing to sell more to consumers, as well as drive loyalty or 'love' of their brands, social media has allowed for quick paced campaigns, interactions, awareness, comments, and more through this, what seems to be, posh pattern to follow... Start a business, launch a product, or amplify marketing efforts = you must have a facebook fan page, twitter account, blog, and also drive conversations on linkedin to start.

Social Media allows for low cost, and if performed correctly, high return on investment. Many are self proclaimed 'social media experts', but to truly derive value from social business, online interaction, and related insights are key. All too often, companies realize the need for a social media manager of sorts, so they post a job opportunity for "Interactive Marketing Manager", "Social Media Manager", "Online Strategist", or some form of these, and struggle to define the work they will be leading, and describe it as "Leads communications online, assists with marketing initiatives, ..." and find it challenging to hone in on the focus of deliverables.

On one end of the spectrum companies know they need it, but can't fully explain why. On the other end, due to the rapid pace and trends of online anything, one must react so quickly to the web-o-sphere, that this does not allow for anything but a nebulous "post cool things online and interact with others to inspire revenue" descriptions.

What do you feel deems someone a 'social media strategist/expert', beyond educating others on how to set up an account, post comments, share pictures, and have lots of friends online? There is certainly a plan one needs, finesse at which to post items, strategy on what to post and where, as well as making your interactions relevant to your goals, aligning with your vision, be entertaining yet meaningful, as well as having 'social sense' with innovative strategies.

Here is a fun article on the subject as well >> http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_30/b4188064364442.htm

Interact@siegelinnovations.com to learn how we can energize your marketing & branding efforts through digital/interactive, social media, campaigns, measures, creative services, and insights to drive genuine results.

With gratitude,
B

Give us a hello@siegelinnovations.com
www.siegelinnovations.com

10 Things Your Grocer Doesn't Want You to Know

2010-07-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

10 Things Your Grocer Doesn't Want You to Know

Interesting information regarding the grocery store, where on average 32 million people shop a day, and spend around 40 minutes roaming around the aisles.

General Store Marketing - Part One

2010-05-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Know your customers

One of the hallmarks of the general store was how much the shopkeeper knew about his (we’ll assume he was a man) customers. He knew the brand of soap your family preferred, special events in your family’s lives and could make informed suggestions on new products that you might enjoy. If there was an item that you needed that was not in stock, you could approach him to place the order and get a reasonable time frame for when you could expect the item to come in. Further, an assistant would probably be willing to run the item over to your house.

Since the scale and the community served by the general store were small, a good store manager could keep track of his customers, what they bought, and who they were. Since organizations now serve much larger and more diverse customer groups, this individual attention has fallen to the wayside. Now organizations by and large tell customers what they should want and have only just started to use customer input to influence their product and service mix.

There are several ways that organizations can reconnect with their customers and a few examples below will help foster that relationship. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a few major practices that organizations can use to become more relevant and authentic to their customers.

Care about your customers…by listening to them

Almost every organization says it cares about its’ customers, but it is imperative that there is a system to back up that assertion. Organizations have to ENCOURAGE customer feedback then respond in a timely fashion. Customer feedback can be encouraged by making it easy for customers to share input online, at the point of sale, and throughout the sales channel. Once received it is critical to acknowledge the issue and work to fix the issue as quick and completely as possible.

To encourage feedback offering refunds for less than 100% satisfaction or reward customers providing feedback. This system will not draw out new problems but rather will bring light to issues that your customers are already having with your product/service.

One caveat to this feedback system is logging which customer provide feedback. Those that provide you with constructive feedback should be engaged, while those that are trying to manipulate the system should be ignored.

Do you have examples of organizations that are using general store principles of rewarding customers for providing feedback?

"Pushy" Branding

2010-04-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

brought to you by s|i

"Pushy" Brands vs. Lets Just Be Friends! - Bad Marketing and the "F" Word
How to positively influence your band, and changing your perspective from "How can I 'GET' people" to "INVITING ('EARNING') friendships (as well as inspiring people to engage/interact/experience/trust/like your brand

Nobody likes being 'pushed' around, bullied, or pressured in life. The same applies to brands, and efforts to connect your brand to your target audience.

Much like the sandbox, where we learned a lot about life (sharing, caring, respect, friendship, etc.), the same goes for how you connect to your consumers, and related constituents. Whether you are airing a commercial you overpaid millions for, presenting print on a billboard or on a shelf, packaging or a label on your product, or take away materials for your business, you need to find ways to engage your audience, clients, and customers with respect.

Consumer's intelligence is much more advanced than the golden era ballroom dancing, or even disco dancing times of advertising, where one could place a subliminal message and 'trick' the public into believing they needed a product to become a better and more successful person, or that your product really is God's gift to our green Earth.

People are smart, so stop thinking of ways to 'trick' them, and think around ways to become their friend! "Friends don't push around or 'trick' friends (or let others friends get 'tricked')!"Friendship is free, ahh - the coveted "F" word, ha... Connecting your product/service/business to consumers/customers is holistically, and unfortunately for you, but fortunately for folks like us (siegel innovations), not free, cheap, or easy! We are (not sure about 'the other guys' who have been over charging you), however, graciously affordable.

Companies, organizations, non-profits, for profits, individuals, consultants, Fortune 500's, marketers, and 'others' hire 'creatives', marketers, brand scientists and artists (us!) to catalyze the consumer relationship, amplify awareness, and implement 'surpassing sustainability' (siegel innovations #1 value!) to help you as a strategic service partner, essentially go 'beyond existence' or 'sustainability', and energize your brand. (Okay, enough self promotion, we want to serve you and become friends, no apologies, give us a call at 513.295.3533, email at info@siegelinnovations.com, innovate@siegelinnovations.com, facebook, text, linkedin, or flying pigeon message. Anything but a tin can and string, as we are out of string, but left with a lot of tin cans, a we recycle, ha!).

You must implement what we label "Veritas" (Truth) to who you are, what you do, and what you're selling. You want to, no, it is essential for you to provide an engagingly participatory positive (just imagined Elmer Fud saying those three words together) experience. The greatest compliment and byproduct of a person not just giving you money, which is nice, is recommending your genius product/service to a friend. We call this in today's "Information Age", W.O.M.M., and if you are acronym inclined, this stands for "Word of Mouth Marketing", which is a fancy way of saying, 'telling your friends'. We like lehman's terms! Keepin' it simple, because we love you, really, we do, I just sent you a virtual hug, and this smiley face : ) just for you.

Why is this important? Well, we can instantly communicate in today's age of information, and "Information Age", and I am certain you may have heard of facebook, where we may even be friends, I placed this blog entry, you might have clicked on it (insert proof, evidence A, and testimonial here!), where on average people have 100-300 friends, which those people (and by 'those people', I mean facebook users) have similarly 100-300 friends, where around 10-25% actually like them, and the other greater part of their friends are 'loose friendships' (there's that "F" word again), meaning they are just friends out of courtesy, spamming (yes, I too am tired of hearing how they are tired, went to the store, ate a cookie, deleting the event I will never go to, ignoring the group or fan page for them - how vain/self righteous, or have an opinion on something I care nothing about), to connect to another friend, or they were bored.

Enough ranting, the point is they're "Pushy". If someone speaks of how 'great' they are, I am usually skeptical of such proclamations. If an ad (label, flyer, noisy commercial, website, blog, fan page, billboard, etc.) is telling me I need to buy their product, they're the best, better than their competition (which ironically gives their competition awareness, duh, or 4 out of 5 people I don't know, trust, or care about like the best - appeal to me because I either think /feel they are better looking than me or appeal to the standards most hold true for looking average so I related to them - or they have things I desire because society tells me I want/need what they have...), you are approaching your 'friendship building' poorly. You are setting yourself up to be the last kid picked for kickball.

We want to help you 'make more friends'. We want to show you soft and gentle, yet aggressively focused (we are not bipolar, just demonstrating with emotional inspiration how we will work hard for you, but share your message to your audiences appropriately!) ways to connect to the right people, the right way. Not by tricking your new found friends, which will not lead to long term loyalty, engagement, W.O.M.M residuals, or happiness. You can pursue 'one hit wonders' by selling to someone once, but we encourage 'development' vs. sales', 'utilization vs. use', and 'connecting vs. networking'.

Being pushy is not one of our principles. We like to look at our strategy of connecting like a boomerang. No, we're not Australian, but being the smart marketer, reader, and or consumer/friend that you are, you know a boomerang can be thrown (the right way), fly around/soar (on the right path), then return to you (safely, hopefully, not hitting you in the head). This "Boomerang Principle", is the way we like to fuel an idea, take it to implementation, innovate it along the course, and bring it back (similar to W.O.M.M., social media - or - 'social business' as we like to say, we just like changing words, are we cool Marketing Mavens, ha!). You don't want to throw things out there, have it go haywire, and return hitting you in the head. This would make you look bad in a meeting, and be a bad blemish on your rock-star resume, with your team, and also make consumers mad by hitting them with a boomerang. That's just not nice, plus, you might lose your boomerang along the way, as well as your marbles because you can't sell this amazing brand you lead efforts around.

Think in terms of not only what you like, but Human Factors and the creative Brand Psychology behind marketing you have been subjected or exposed to (sounds like a virus, and sometimes it is, think of 'viral marketing', negative connotation, but spreads the same from your mind - to influencing your actions, even body physically through movement/thoughts, etc. - wow this is getting deep,... 'human factor, psychology, behavior..."). I am not suggesting that advertising is bad, but am encouraging you to realize how fun, intelligent, and creative it is. Companies spend millions, heck, some billions, on influencing you to buy their product. As you know, this is not 'dumb money'. So, you better believe, they 'do their homework'! Data research, focus groups, R&D, commercials, marketing, consultants, studies, and more to back up the decision on a logo, shelf space, packaging, label, website, campaign, and more.

I invite you to notice while walking through your grocery store, driving down the highway (be careful, don't 'text and drive', or get too distracted by billboards now, we want you safe, as you are a friend!), looking at a magazine, listening to the radio, and the other interactions you have during your day to notice and take stock of the 'messaging' being bombarded to you. The 'text art', words, ideas, colors, shapes, pictures, sounds, effects, emotional connection, feeling, aura, and related feelings and inspiration you are left with after viewing/hearing/seeing/tasting/feeling whatever product/service you have engaged with either willingly or unwillingly. What are your thoughts/take aways/learning lessons? If they did a good job, you left the interaction with a good feeling, empowered, wanting more of what they were selling, recommended it to a friend (the most powerful 'marketing device' ever, think of someone who told you about a restaurant, then you went there!). Did they 'make a friend' or 'advocate' of their brand, or did they cause you to feel negative, bullied, pressured, or forced in some form?

So, play nice in the sandbox, make friends, hire us (insert plug and subliminal message here, not really, because I pointed out our self promotion), be of 'Veritas', remember people do talk (so what are they saying about your brand, do they care if your logo is in black/white or color, and if there is red in it, does that make them angry or think of a heart and love...), stay true to who you are/what you do/how you do it - adapting along the way as necessary, while aligning your work with your goals/vision to not merely exist/sell, but to 'surpass sustainability' and develop relationships/friendships that energize efforts with your constituents.

Nobody likes a bully, except the pushy bully themselves, and we all know what happens to pushy people, they end up alone and sad. We want people to call, email, and say nice things about you. Yup, "check", we can do that for you : ) ... there's that smiley face again, and what you will be doing after we put together an exciting plan of creative (not just boring) action for you, all while not overcharging you for stuffy overhead and boring same ol same ol marketing. That, and we like making new friends.

Luceat Lux Vestra!
Brian Siegel
Brand | Innovation Leader, s|i
www.siegelinnovations.com
brian@siegelinnovations.com

Tired of boring, overpriced, stalemated marketing?! Need a new or refined website, logo, commercial, creative campaign, slogan, tag line, jingle, marketing plan, social media strategy, or innovative insights for your brand?!

Contact us today for your Marketing | Branding | Innovation needs!

CONSUMED

2010-04-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Friends: Check out my book project, "Consumed, Inspiring you to go from a consumer to a producer in life."

I have been accumulating writings for years, and formalizing how I seek to make impact in others lives through my journey, stories, profiles, and more in this concept.

I meet many that I wish I had more time to communicate with, and engage in examples of inspiration beyond a handshake, few minutes of listening, or sharing time it takes to consume a cup of coffee. This will allow me to have a tremendous "take away", and drive a more purpose driven sustainable inspirational interaction.

I invite you to share your experiences, stories, and or relevant examples, as they could be published (with your permission of course) at http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2715854&trk=hb_side_g and also at http://www.siegelinnovations.blogspot.com/

Luceat Lux Vestra!
Brian Siegel

*Note: Ironically, the church I attend had a series on this years ago (for those of you who attend the same church, before you mention this, I am aware, and it is a good thing, as some of the inspiration integrates well and is relevant, but my content, ideas, and context are all original scores/theories).

The current logo for the cover is original, and was designed by me, if that arises as well, ha.If you can't tell, I am sensitive to this, and take copyright, ideas, and my writing seriously enough to mention (dates, copyrights, and more can be provided). Maybe I will engage some of those involved in that project with this, or maybe not, but I own this solely as of the current.

Final Day Fasting. (Day 7) and 12 Lessons Learned

2010-03-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Final Day Fasting. (Day 7)

12 Lessons Learned from fasting

I have wrapped up my (self inflicted sacrifice) fasting journey, not only talked but walked in purpose, and wanted to share my 12 lessons learned. I also remind you of other reasons why by visiting my "Paste List" as well. The main take away is that people are amazing, inspiring, and encouraging, and I thank the 7 people who fasted for me for 7 days, and who I in turn fasted for a day each. Truly touching. Here are my “lessons learned”.

I learned it is not easy to give up habits, patterns, or maintain discipline unless you have a dedicated plan and higher purpose.
I do not like “not eating”, and I enjoy food… a lot! Drink lots of water! BE SAFE, if need be consult a doctor, but they'll tell you it's unhealthy, some people fast one meal, till sundown, and many other ways. Just be careful! Don't do it to merely lose weight, as the pounds do shed off, but once you come off this "mental, physical, and spiritual" fast you have to ease back into your eating/nourishment intelligently. This was my journey, you can make your own, and with a different subject such as giving up pop, TV, blackberry, email, cussing, complaining, or other items in your life that are distractions.
Slowly over time my eating habits were junk. Time to reinvent/refresh!
If you make a statement by doing something different, you gain better insight and results
You must find ways to discover what your mind, body, and spirit really need in your life
You can inspire others through sharing your actions, listening, and doing something different while inviting people to be involved
Anyone can fall into traps that are masked due to taking place slowly over time through small actions. It takes big action to break that bondage.
Fasting is an interesting concept that can help you learn more about yourself, and also make you light headed, ha
I overate, needed to drink more water, and slow down/”be still”
I ate too much processed foods, and need to be conscious of what I consume. Be aware and in tune with your patterns.
It opened up time to invest in prayer, connect with my spirit, and God
At times, you have to sacrifice, and “give up to gain” in diverse ways. Find your "fast", and implement an educated and passionate purpose around your walk with discipline, and you will see results no matter the walk!

Final Weigh in’s
Day 1: 278 to 275

Day 2: 275 to 269

Day 3: 269 to 266

Day 4: 266 to 263

Day 5: 263 to 261

Day 6: 261 to 260

Day 7: 260 to 257

Fasting. (Day 6)

2010-03-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

First Time Fast

I have had some wonderful responses after being asked then explaining my fasting journey. Others are giving up something they are addicted to, or at least pondering about ways they may give up to gain.

I have starved my body, but my mind is reliant upon God, my spirit, and it has broken me from unknown bondages towards freedom. When in fear or doubt, I “go to God”. I feel I went from talking up at some mystery being beyond the skies, to an energy I can sit with at a round table, if that makes sense. I am not pushing or pressuring you to go to God, believe in God, or be a Christ follower, as much as think about seeing where you are starving in your life, and go to a spiritual place (although I would like to encourage you to pursue a relationship with God).

Sometimes we need to accommodate a higher purpose versus react to our personal desires. I have seen this through fasting, from the timeline of bondage, the break, and towards freedom. These are topics my church has discussed this past week, and has been very enlightening.

We rely on so much, and can’t fathom or comprehend living without what we become attracted to, or be still long enough to realize we can become a better person without having certain elements in our life. Fasting has forced me to slow down, and be still.

It has allowed me to stop doubting, and to start believing. I know it may sound foreign to you, but it I invite you to give up something in a practical way in your life, and when faced with temptation, remember your dedication, promise, and enact discipline by praying or meditating every time you are faced with giving in. Then, you will see.

We fear what we don’t understand, and judge what may seem different. Fear is in the mind, and challenging yourself with such examples, can mold/shape you into a stronger person. Going through challenges, having sacrifices, and enduring pain are how people build relationships with others, companies implement team building, and others become closer. It also builds trust and loyalty. I have a few others that are fasting for a day or two with me while I do this, and it is encouraging and also touching to know they are dedicated to doing this, supportive, and taking this walk with me. It eliminates any doubt, fear, distrust, and inspires affirmation, encouragement, faith, and a clear vision that what I am doing is of purpose and meaning.

Day 1: 278 to 275

Day 2: 275 to 269

Day 3: 269 to 266

Day 4: 266 to 264

Day 5: 264 to 261

Day 6: 261 to 260

Fasting. (Day 5)

2010-03-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

First Time Fast

"Delirious Day 5", ha

This journey so far has brought me closer to being in tune with so much. I have gained insight around surpassing your sacrifices, and that is through your spirit. Every time I feel physical hunger pangs, I go to my mind, and connect spiritually through prayer. Amazingly, the physical distractions go away.

I have prayed all day, in my mind, for so much. See my "past list" if you seek details.

I started this journey weighing 278. I progressed to 269, 266, 264, then 261. It’s not about losing weight, as much as the metaphoric burdens that have unknowingly plagued my daily routines that I was unaware of. This process has connected me to the things in my life that I need to strip away and unload from my life.

The consumption log I have had is as follows

Daily average of 7-10, 12oz glasses of water
2, 12oz glasses of milk
Chew gum a lot
*also "consumed" my surroundings a lot more, my thoughts, and prayer"

I am hoping that anyone who sees this small example of sacrifice is inspired to “give up to gain” in some way. Whether it is computer time, soda/pop, pizza, meat, chocolate, complaining, television, fast food, or anything else, I encourage you to assess your daily patterns and discover what you may intentionally eliminate the desire via a promise, and document the changes in your life.

Day 1: 278 to 275

Day 2: 275 to 269

Day 3: 269 to 266

Day 4: 266 to 263

Day 5: 264 to 261

Fasting. (Day 4)

2010-03-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

My First Fast

I have had friends and others commenting about my weight loss, but remind them of the true purpose. That being it is a spiritual journey, and the weight loss is a byproduct. Each time I felt hunger pain, or became lightheaded, I prayed. Amazingly, neither of those symptoms continued.

Realizing that I have become consumed by essentially what I consume, has been interesting. I did not realize how I had been gripped not by food, we need food for nutrients so our body can operate in a healthy manner, but in a sense, become enslaved to patterns I did not notice. For example, the pattern of emotional medication of time, feeling, and unfulfilled areas of my life were being masked through "food marination". By this I define it, in lehman's terms, as "filling a void". I have heard of others doing this, and never thought I would. Well, I thought wrong, and have. It is not extreme, and I don't need a psychologist, but I forgot to view food as an art, appreciate the necessary ingredients involved, cooking wholesome meals vs. meals that make me whole, and how much in intake affects my body, and attitude.

It is nothing for me to cook a couple pounds of beef, load it up with cheese, throw it in a wrap, and call it a meal. A second thought would not occur to eat two whole pizzas, chase it down with gatorade or water to make me feel better, and not even feel the impact of my bottomless pit of a stomach. My poor stomach. What a strong iron wall it must have. I almost felt like I conquered something, and was a super star of sorts by the amounts of food and beverage I could consume. My body doesn't need that, but my mind needed that silent affirmation, and accomplishment. I was masking time, distracting true needs, and filling it with bad food habits. It isn't easy to bring awareness to self about this if you work out, know it but don't absorb it past surface value, and feel as if you are fine because you are not hospitalized. Small steps like this over long periods of time will eventually lead to health problems. I know I am getting older if I say things like this, ha.

Food to me is a wonderful thing. It is a way to not only meet your body's need, but a way to slow down, gather with friends, share moments, be "soul food" vs. a task of eating, and truly "be what you eat". If "I am what I eat", I have become not a slice of pizza, but several pizzas, cheeseburgers, quick fix meals that bandaid over the true food I should be eating. No wonder we can unanimously agree that our society is immorally obese physically, and mentally.

I first noticed this when smelling certain foods, seeing marketing advertisements or billboards, and my mind created salivation. Obviously, if I am fasting, and can survive without these bountiful burdens of self inflicted luxury food needs, I can survive on basics. It is as if our fruits and vegetables became different processed versions of themselves, to the point that we could not imagine planting our own garden, or what it takes to make whatever is in that frozen box.

Admitting through transparency, I will go back to eating my cheesy filled, sugar loaded, processed packed "whatevers" such as pizzas and more, I am now in complete awareness of the pitfalls of my patterns. There is a definite need to change my eating, which we all know can change mind, body, and spiritual feeling. Actually implementing this knowledge into disciplined long term action, will be the true challenge.

Day 1: 278 to 275

Day 2: 275 to 269

Day 3: 269 to 266

Day 4: 266 to 263

Fasting. (Day 3)

2010-03-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

My First Fast
couldn't be going slower, but forces me to slowdown, and this is good...

So the hunger pains have not been the issue, as much as the minor head pain. It's not unmanageable, but I have to admit I feel a bit lighter (and that's due to not loading my body up with food), and am hungry (duh, I am fasting), but it inspires me to remember the reason, the promise, and connecting to other areas by starving one. I pray every time I get hungry, then it goes away. My stomach is filled with spirit (and hunger, but more subversion by spirit, ha).

I was supposed to play in a basketball game tonight, but I don't think this would be a good idea after not eating for 3 days, so I canceled. I normally lift weights, but have set that aside while my body doesn't have the normal nutrients through food. I thought I would tough it out, and am going to do minor workouts, but will take it easy so I don't pass out, then people say, "Are you okay?", then I respond, "Yeah, just fasting", then have to deal with that, ha.

I am also looking forward to hanging out with my buds this Saturday, as it is a rare gathering of friends (it gets more difficult to hang out as you get older, and some of you can attest to), but the challenge will be when they start grilling out, and my 2nd addiction after pizza are cheeseburgers. Wish me luck!

Day 1: 278 to 275

Day 2: 275 to 269

Day 3: 269 to 266

Fasting (Day 2)

2010-03-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Fast on Fasting: "Simple 7 Day Fasting" (Day 2)

So far, I have encountered some interesting challenges. I faced my nemesis, and also mortal friend, the infamous "Pizza". I knew I would be tempted by it's allure, sensuous aroma, melted cheese, and elegant sauce all on delectable dough...

As it attempted to consume me and ruin my 7 Day promise, dare I say, I paced around in contemplation of giving into my instinctual desires. I even attempted to lick the cheese, and threw my distraction back on the pan. Test passed.

I have been drinking water, milk, coffee (which may be a bad idea), and chewing gum to curb my appetite. Hunger groans, sounds, and pains are starting to ensue.

I am reminded of the purpose of this, what I am giving up to gain, and how important this is to me and what it really means. It is amazing the salivation my mind causes even smelling the aroma of food, passing Servatti's Bakery, seeing Applebee's while driving and recalling their amazing Happy Hour, and am gaining insight to how this brings awareness and tone to my mission. It is more than starving myself, and denying me of food, it is to enlighten.

Day 1: 278 to 275
Day 2: 275 to 269

Fasting (Day 1)

2010-03-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

First Time Fasting
Fast on Fasting: "Simple 7 Day Fasting" (Day 1)

7 people in my life, friends and family, decided to fast one day each for me. This was so touching to me, and such an act of generosity, that I felt it unacceptable that I not partake. I decided to fast one day each for every person praying/fasting for me. Again, truly touching.

As I embark on my 7 days of fasting, starting 3.17.10 at 1PM EST, I contemplate the challenges I will encounter, the reasons for "giving up something for my body to improve clarity in my mind", the understanding of the concept, Lent, and also how my hunger pains will remind me of what I am doing!

What is Fasting?
Where else would one go to learn about Fasting besides Google or Wiki! Fasting is defined as "The act of willingly abstaining from some or all of something." In this case, and the most popular, food.

Why am I doing this?
It is not to lose weight, ha. I am starving my body, to improve my mind, and also to bring myself closer to my spirit through this process. I have heard of fasting in the Bible, in church, in movies, and other places, but never myself partook in such a task. I am not Catholic, but have given up items for "Lent".

One does not have to be Catholic to involve themselves in Lent, and the church I attend did a great job at sharing knowledge about the history of Lent, Ash Wednesday, and more. As humans do, I assumed I knew more than I understood, and upon deeper glance, I found myself connected to the concept, and improving my spirituality in a different way. In life, you must constantly learn, grow, refresh, and "move your feet to be more than a groove in a seat", so by doing this, I feel I am turning my spiritual wheels in a challenging new manner. Although this is generally a religious thing, it can also be universal spiritually through the reasons shared.

Beyond starving my body and depriving it of wonderful food, which I love by the way, as I am a huge "Foodie", I am doing this to bring awareness to the other areas "starving" in my life, and also others. I am fasting for a purpose, not merely the popularity of the subject or pop culture value. The sacrifice involved is a way of demonstrating my discipline and control of my body for the reasons I seek to direct attention to. Deterring my desire and need for food to provide clarity of focus around the areas of my life that are hurting, deprived, thirsty, and hungry for more is the meaning.

During my times of temptation, desire (of food), and longing for what is a basic necessity I am temporarily eliminating from my normal daily pattern, I will be praying. I will be praying for clarity, discipline, awareness, and also thanking God for all He has done for me, others, and how I appreciate this. Life is not easy, and granted I am one person doing a small gesture, but it is my dedication and personal part I am investing in. Many go without food, and not by choice, so during this journey, I will soon realize what others face, as well as how to hold fast, no pun intended, to my promise.

Why am I sharing this, and why should you care?
I am not Ghandi, trying to be Moses for 40 days, nor do I expect everyone to understand. That being said, some of you understand the concept, and others may be intrigued by my actions. I am passionate about connecting, and also inspiring others, so my purpose is to do just that for you.

If I can bring awareness to my reasons and purpose of a "Simple 7 Day Fast", then perhaps I may inspire you to think of something you may want to give up, should give up, and a deeper understanding of the concept. I say it is simple because it is 7 days without food, how difficult is that concept?! But, I am certain it will bring interesting challenges, awareness to other areas of life, and also sacrifice.

If you are interested in the specific reasons, you can view them on my "Paste List" athttp://siegelinnovations.blogspot.com/2010/02/paste-list.html
Here are 25 other reasons fasting is a positive activity http://onlinemha.com/2009/25-reasons-fasting-can-improve-your-health-and-well-being/

Next Steps>>
Well, I am in Day 1 of the 7 day process, so wish me luck with lots of water drinking, and the pain of food pains while tempted with delectable delights of food. I am sure after Day 2 it will not be easy... Feel free to send ideas to curb my appetite, your fasting experience, something you are/have given up for Lent, and or encouragement.

Matthew Kelly: "What's Your Dream?" Keynote Speaking Clip (Floyd Consulting)

2010-03-10T08:27:00.001-08:00

What are your 100 (or more) dreams, and what are you doing to achieve them?!

U2 - Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

2010-03-10T07:41:00.001-08:00

Great song and reminder from one of the best bands ever to grace our planet.

"No one achieved anything great without the support of others." - B

U2 Rocks!
::B::

Perception (Slow Down)

2010-03-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

PERCEPTION

Something To Think About
Shared by Jim Bowden, a wonderful friend and leader at Disney
_________________________________________________________________

A book I recently read titled, Somebodies and Nobodies – Overcoming the Abuse of Rank, the author, Robert W. Fuller, shared, “To be invisible is to be deprived of even a chance for recognition.” He then quoted a psychologist by the name of William James, “The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated”.

How we invest spending time with and listening to others can help reinforce the appreciation all of us want and need. Positive engagement helps foster inclusion.

I hope you enjoy this read and can leverage it within your organizations.
Jim Bowden
Disney
Global Strategies for Diversity & Inclusion

Perception
Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes, a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time.. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition..

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story.. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.

The questions raised:

      *In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

       *Do we stop to appreciate it?

       *Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made...

How many other things are we missing?

*I thought I would pass this along to you. It is something I recently shared with some of my colleagues. This is a “quick read”, but a powerful reminder. At the end of the article, there are a few questions to think about. (The Washington Post did a story on this back in 2007.)

·         Was this really about the time of day that stopped others from engaging in the experience or was it because of possible perceptions people had about the person playing the violin (e.g. “he is homeless” “he is begging for money”)?

Paste List

2010-02-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

"Paste/Prayer List"

The preacher at the church I attend has what he has termed a "Paste List". As he explained, the people, problems, challenges, and other subjects he sought to pray about and remember in thought became so abundant, that he formed a list.

As he wrote down this list, he thought it would be a good idea to utilize the time he prepared for his day while brushing his teeth would be a way to place this list on his mirror, and what was once used for a mundane (yet needed task of brushing his teeth) pattern in the day was transitioned into a meaningful purpose driven moment.

As I have kept a ever changing list of items on a prayer list, this inspired me to track people and things I needed to remember on my "paste list", inspire them to form a list, and invite others to share what they would like remembered as well.

I ask you to form your own list, utilize a moment during your day to take a step away from the busy lives we lead, and meditate through not only our personal needs, but provide energy around your own "paste list". Feel free to post a reply respectfully around who and what is on your list on this blog, your own mirror, and inspire others to pray with you for.

Luceat Lux Vestra!
Brian Siegel

Brian Siegel's "Paste List"
What's in your list?!

People of Haiti and other areas in the world affected by tragedies and challenges
To be with my family and friends, as well as others (for safety, success, fun, friendship, and love)
Abigail (having hysterectomy)
Cousin (in-law) Greg going through Chemo and battling cancer
Trish (having surgery)
The Horvath Family (friend lost his wife to a long time battle with cancer)
Mrs. JJ (to continue recovering and being a blessing/inspiring to others)
Ronnie (liver transplant, showing signs of rejection)
That no child goes hungry, encounters evil people, or is abused in any way
That I have the humility and grace needed to fuel the discipline I need in my life
To eliminate racism, prejudice, and ignorance
Youth and Families in poverty to discover opportunities
That we align our passion/goals for God's will
We realize the pain and suffering we have endured is for a purpose, and implement action around it
To be better vs. bitter
To open doors to positive lives of action for those in depressed states
Inspire others to not have a "defeat-est" attitude
To eliminate violence and hatred against others
To be of value and service to others
That people seeking "re-employment" find work (also that they find a job they're passionate about)
People realize that life is more than a title and paycheck for success, but finding how to be significant as well
People realize "what really matters" (family, friends, love, integrity, character, time...)
That people are not the "hate they hate", as a matter of fact, that they don't "hate" period
To ease the hearts and minds of those in pain from being victimized in some form
That abuse against women and children is eliminated
That their be peace brought to families in chaos, locations with religious persecution, war, and oppression
To be with our troops local and abroad as they defend liberty and peace, keep them safe, and bring them home
That those in financial hardship seek and discover ways to be significant and successful as they emerge from their debts
That those facing home foreclosure, losing their car, having bad credit, and more find a ways to get through their challenging situations
The people seek and find a way to connect to their life spiritually
That we are kind and respectful through generosity to others through time, money, and talent
That my non-profit surpasses sustainability, and that this "calling" is utilized as the platform that it needs to be, is a conduit for youth, families, and our communities for positive impact/opportunities
*See comments for more, and I invite you to add your prayers as well

Where have all our manners gone?

2010-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Manners. I was thinking of the simple things (and free) that we can do to improve lives. Simply saying thank you can be one of those things. I worked for a company where they had a 20/10 rule. When someone approaches you at 20 feet, you smile, at 10 feet, you say hello.

Seems simple, but I have been surprised at the little things we all forget at times. Acknowledge and recognize when someone does something nice for you. Take stock and notice something a person has changed, done, or you know they enjoy. Please, thank you, how can I help, be of value, or service... Seems in our fast moving world that everyone is out to "get" something. Give without expectation of getting (or keeping points/score), and watch your world change. Never be too busy to utilize a moment to share your appreciation, no matter how small the interaction. It's not just being nice, it's good "strategy", good for business, and good for you and "your Brand"! Don't make it merely a business strategy, but an approach to life!

When reaching out to others, looking for work, someone connects to you looking to network or for a job, no matter the purpose or reason, make sure you show how you can be of value and service to their efforts in some way, and that by meeting, speaking, or connecting with you will provide a mutually collaborative and beneficial opportunity. Make sure you are polite, listen, are prepared, on time, and engaged with where you are at, the person you are connecting with, and respectful. We were built for "community" and to interact with each other, why not do it towards excellence. No matter your job, title, background, etc., you can implement manners into your DNA and day! People want to feel needed, important, acknowledged, and recognized. So, give them your gratitude! It will truly set you apart by adding a "kind" dynamic to your engagement. Be "relationship driven"!

Sure we're not always happy go lucky all day, others have that "positive charisma", but try it out and see how your day changes, and how others respond. f someone lets you change lanes in a car, sending an email or text, someone asks the cliche "how are you doing", your server at a restaurant pours you a water, someone holds a door open for you, or any other small random act of kindness, be humbly gracious and of generosity back with a smile and say, "Thank You!"

Thank You for reading this!
Brian Siegel

Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

2010-02-14T13:53:00.001-08:00

Happy LOVE Day!

Top 5 "Sound Like You Know Football" Comments

2010-02-06T19:33:00.000-08:00

Just for Fun
"Best of"... lines you can shout during a football game, but not know anything about football
For you ladies who want to get involved with the hooting and hollering between the Colts vs. Saints match up for the Super Bowl tomorrow, but are not versed or interested in the game, here are some lines you can shout and have some credibility. Enjoy the lines, game, and Go Saints (I love underdogs)!

Anytime
1. "Come on, they have to improve at the line of scrimmage"
2. "Where's the flag ref?!"
3. "If they could have only fought harder to open up the gap"
4. "They gotta fight harder on the routes"
5. "This is unbelievable, I hope the next play can do it for them!"

If your team is on Offense
1. "They gotta hold off the defense longer"
2. "Go for it, go deep next play"
3. "They should try a trick play or a flea flicker"
4. "It's a game of inches, they can push ahead here"
5. "They have to give the QB more time to scout the defense so he doesn't scramble"

If your team is on Defense
1. "They better play tough against this offense"
2. "The line keeps holding"
3. "Come on, blitz and go for a sack"
4. "At least hold them to a field goal"
5. "Championships are won with a great defense. Go "state your teams name here""

*Note: I am not insinuating that every woman needs to know lines for football, are not able to learn about football, or don't already know what is going on. This was in response to some friends stating they enjoy gathering for games, but do not know about strategy, and would like to yell something to be involved. Guys may also utilize these as well, ha. If you like these, or feel there should be others in the "Top 5's", feel free to share! Enjoy the game, friends, and fun!

Jason Mraz - I'm Yours

2010-02-01T10:05:00.001-08:00

Love it.

Resolving Resolutions

2010-01-01T14:02:00.001-08:00

“Lets Win in 2010!”

End the “Pursuit of Unhappiness Cycle”

Happy New Year to you and your family! New Years, always an interesting time of the year. At this “end” we think of the beginning, and at the “beginning” we think of the end. An interesting cycle of debate and utilization of time. We recall our past, the decisions we have made, marinate over the mistakes we have made, the journey we are on, and the dreams we strive for. We think of who we are as a person, and the things we like, as well as dislike about ourselves. We ponder our purpose, look around the room we are in before the clock strikes midnight to start the New Year. If you’re in a crowded room, you realize you’re blessed, or cursed, by the company you keep. If you are alone, you may have gone to bed early, or you and your pet gaze at each other as you sit in chaotically loud silence, perhaps even speaking out loud to your fish, dog, cat, or other animal friend to mention in a pensively low voice, “Well, it’s a new year, and here we are…”.

Yes, here you are! Alone at home, to being with millions at Times Square, the ball drops; then what?! This signifies a new start, a chance to cleanse, refresh, and become a “Living Resolution”! Sure you committed haphazardly to an undisciplined diet, to losing weight, to spending time with your mother, sister, or other family members. Sure you are going to commit to changes you will not adhere to, make mistakes, and regret your regrets even more. Sure you said you would become a more appreciative, respectful, less of a cynical pessimist, volunteer (coincidentally, if you are looking for a place to volunteer, connect with www.heartprints.org to help improve the lives of youth, families, and our communities – yes, shameless promotion), go to church, stop smoking, drinking, and living in regret with the past on your shoulders. Sure you do not need the day of January 1^st to arise for the only day of your life each year to implement change. Sure…

I am not sure of the statistics of the most popular resolutions, but I can give a great guess of them being items related to where pills are sold for quick fixes, addictions are present, and issues reside. Around those we can guess that the popular resolutions are to get healthy, lose weight, stop smoking, drinking, being angry, become more positive, be patient, find a new job, and in some way become a better person.

New Years is great due to the fact that such thoughts are inspired by the day. It is great to think of your blessings, how you may provide better gifts to others, more relationship and family driven, and become a better person. All too often these promises become forgotten empty words without any resolution, and they confront you to your face the next year.

I inspire you to eliminate the vicious pattern of repetitive empty promises to yourself and others. I urge you to utilize your preciously short time on this planet to energetically provide disciplined action plans around your resolutions. Stop making excuses, and shift change versus shift blame. You have the ability to realistically look at yourself, dig deep, forgive but not forget the past, and utilize your experiences to move forward with relentlessly passionate fervor to better places.

Embrace the gifts you have received, and the blessings you have. Perhaps you forget that you are in good health, yet abuse your mind and body in some form. Perhaps you are not in good health, and pondering why you are going through an illness, cancer, or someone undeserving is going through a difficult time. Perhaps you are mundanely trudging through the cycle of wake, work, sleep… wake work sleep, and caught up in a system you don’t feel a part of, and have an appetite for more. Perhaps you are successful but don’t feel significant, and strive for more of a cause related purpose in your life. Be blessed by allowing yourself to be blessed. Realize the gifts you have, and stop dwelling on your lack of accomplishments, and notice the wonderful things you have done with your life, for others. They may not be on television, patented, made lots of money, but there are free things you can do, have done, and don’t take stock of it and give it the credit it deserves. Respect yourself, and be responsible for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Do this with humble grace, and be of truth to yourself and others. It really saves a lot of time as well!

Whatever your challenge, thoughts, and dreams, now is the time to be presently aware, and make the intentionally conscious decisions to achieve your goals, be more present and invest in what really matters such as living a significantly successful life with your family, friends, and being of value and service not only to yourself, but to others. To be more healthy mentally, physically, and spiritually working out not only with focus in a gym for your body, but educating your mind with new perspectives and diverse opportunities, and also building your spirit not only through church, but spiritual experiences to develop your soul, purpose, and fulfillment.

Maybe you got laid off, lose your home, got divorced, can’t afford to pay your bills, or are on a roller coaster full of mental gymnastics that allow you to feel totally lost. Get back on the right path. Find your path, and reach out to others to ask questions, seek answers, and respectfully build a better you. You must be persistently patient, and by that I mean continue to do the right things, the right way, with the right people, and you will start seeing the results you desire. The outcomes you want may not reveal themselves immediately, but that is why I share with you to be persistently “patient”. If you look at those labeled “successful” in life by way of revenue, achievements, business, or other realms of life, you will notice that they carry with them a charismatic smile that displays an aura of confident awareness others just don’t have. You can have that by enacting disciplined actions plans around being optimistically opportunistic, yet realistic with the words and inspiration of the New Year’s “new starts” versus nebulous nuisances of empty resolutions.

You have dreams, why haven’t you started steps to achieve them? Have you written down your “closing the gaps” strategies to enact an action plan, timeline, and ways to get to your goals? Are you open to adapting to change with agility if you encounter speed bumps, or a fallen tree on the path? Are you so set in your ways, and that change just isn’t in your DNA? We all have faults, baggage, and regrets. If you don’t have faults, baggage, or regrets, you are either miraculously blessed, or have not been living life. You can dwell on your regrets and disappointments, or move forward with a refreshingly renewed awareness of knowing that you are “imperfectly perfect” as we all are as human beings, but have the ability and gift of choice to change your stars. The Sun, Stars, and Planets may not align tomorrow to allow you to shine, but you can certainly pursue your dreams with proactive action instead of reacting to all you have endured for so long.

Give yourself permission to breath, and empower yourself by forgiving who you are, and who you are not. Apologize one time for what you have not done, and for what you have done, forgive with God in your heart and not having to completely understand every situation, thought, or feeling you have, or others have about you. Stop keeping points, hurting others, injuring relationships with selfish intent, and be of service to your friends, family, and therefore self. You will see rewards you never imagined if you release yourself from downtrodden thoughts, patterns of pain, and all that you have carried around and didn’t know you stuffed away in your back pocket. Stop being so critical of others, and down on yourself. You are who you are, and can become who you always wanted to be. You cannot do this without a plan of action, or action around your plan. Believe in miracles, have hope and faith, but please do not assume that just because you make a resolution you will magically achieve those goals. This is exactly what separates significantly successful people from the masses who pensively walk through live reacting to what they endure on a daily basis. Stop believing all you are fed, told, and assumed to be. Be what you strive to become. Make your New Year’s Resolution to resolve empty resolutions!

I too am victimized by my own words, and need to enact a plan myself to avoid the pitfalls of empty resolutions as well. I am imperfectly perfect, just like you. I share these words to inspire you and others to become more fulfilled in their relationships, and also stop basing themselves in hopes of building into a new person. Be truly present instead of merely showing up. Be of value, purpose, and service. Call a friend you have not spoken to because you kept points and they didn’t call you half the times you called them. Go visit your mother and clean her kitchen, do her dishes, or perform an act of service to be kind. If you have a friend who is sick, take them chicken noodle soup, a movie, and serve them. Send someone a handwritten letter with a card. Listen, truly listen to a friend in your life, your sister, a co worker, or someone other than yourself to hear what they are saying beyond “How are you, how is your day, and how’s the weather”, then provide friendship, a card, letter, or just notice that they may need something you can connect them with. Turn off the television, Soap Operas, ESPN, Reality Shows, Blackberries, email, phone, Social Media, and other distractions, and be in present reality. You don’t always have to have an answer, solution, or innovative insight to be a friend. Volunteer at a shelter, school, hospital, food pantry, dog kennel, church, or volunteer at your friend or family member’s house to just be there for them. Caring is cool! Unselfishly give your time, but not excessively to the point of being detrimental to your time. This is not selfish, it is selfless with caring concern for your own sanity. Balance your life by balancing your time, relationships, and listening to what your restless soul’s instincts have being yelling at you to pursue! Stop living in fear, being totally cautious, or aligning with the wind to make your decisions. Give yourself permission to move on from the past, be truly present, and take actions towards your goals. Eliminate the sabotage of your life, time, self, and relationships by investing in your family, friends, goals, and realistic dreams with your truthful talents that are a gift.

I know first hand, just as you do, that it is painful to suffer, the past is not easy to manage, and achieving your goals can feel out of reach. The economy is bad, stocks and 401Ks lost a lot of money, your friends, family, and significant others and you may be going through challenges that feel like it would be better to run away from, and hope is not an easy institution to grasp on. Close your eyes, think of where you are from, where you are, and where you want to go. Then, ask yourself, have you forgiven your past, and also who you are not? Then, dissect your goals and ask yourself if your goals are totally self driven, to achieve something for materialistic, selfish, empty goals of notoriety, business, and money? If they are, you will be in an empty cycle of relentless pursuit of unhappiness. Change your goals to align with what your spirit is saying to you. If you want to be of value and service to others, that doesn’t necessary mean you have to work for a non-profit, but perhaps work for a company, create a product, or build a service that can even be for profit that is of service to others. By realizing where you are in the present, and your goals for the future, you can easily notate if your desires align with your goals. If not, this can certainly display one reason why you are so dissatisfied, tired, and exhausted with life.

You can be told to count your blessings, but when you are not motivated so even count, what’s the point right? Count on yourself, and invest in building credible change with you! Be accountable for your actions and goals. Take responsibility for your skills, talents, and abilities, as well as how you utilize them during the day. Wake up earlier to go to the gym. Work harder during the day, or skip lunch so you are not at the office until 7PM so you can eat dinner with your family, and tuck in your kids while reading a book with them before they go to bed. Make memories, start traditions, and stop waiting on others to make you happy, improving your opportunities, or to “fix” you! Just stop waiting, procrastinating, and being a ball of accumulated “hate that you hate”.

A lot of what I have said entails “stopping” something. Maybe you have started something, and need to “keep on keeping on”! If you’re in the right place, but just happen to be swimming in mud, keep fighting on, recruit assistance, reach out for help, and persist on! Find what motivates you, and continue to discover ways to be productive. As Churchill said, “Never, never, never, never give up!”. Simple, yet one of the most challenging parts of life in general. Many are in the right place, and just may be talking to the wrong people. Continue on, and passionately move forward in spite of criticisms that are not necessarily flattering.

Most of us need praise, recognition, and acknowledgement, and at times we may not receive it. Partly it is due to us not giving out praise, and the other part is due to others not being aware you need it. Times like those, you must lift yourself up, and alternatively launch your feet forward. Movement begets movement, inspires acceleration, and therefore action in this example.

Newton and his 3 Laws of Motion really taught us a lot about Leadership.

1.) "An object in motion will stay in motion and an object at rest will stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force" or "A body persists in a state of uniform motion or of rest unless acted upon by an external force."

As in physics, an object in motion stays in motion, until faced with an object. Then it changes direction, speed, and energy. Work is defined as force over distance (W = Fd). If you continue moving forward over a distance, you may encounter criticism, obstacles, or external forces (inertia or static) that can inhibit progress. Utilize these obstacles to learn, collaborate, or change direction! I didn’t realize I would bring out High School Physics class today, memories, ha. You will have external forces acting upon you, or even internal forces of your own. To earn more results of work, you must enact more force over greater distances!

2.) "Force equals mass times acceleration" or "F = ma."

Stay with me on this lovely metaphor, friction can arise from these types of scenarios. “How you react to friction (obstacles) defines your identity”. If you react by quitting, no more motion, or even backwards, you did not exert enough respectful force to surpass your obstacles. Perhaps you needed a push, more energy, or effort! Your force (results) are equal to mass X’s acceleration (F = ma), or Results = (Actions)(Movement or Effort). Make it happen! Let the “force” be with you (apologies, not a die hard Star Wars fan, but couldn’t resist!).

Again, utilizing the “Work” formula, you can exert greater force over greater distances, but make sure you aren’t in rocking chairs or on treadmills facing brick walls, as you will do a lot of “Work” for empty results!

3.) "To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."

Implementing action, work, or force into your life determines the results you see as reward or punishment. Having discipline, utilizing the right plan for the right reasons, and doing so with integrity will yield you the outcomes you seek. Another words, “You get out of life what you put in!”. We have all heard this saying, but all too often allow it to not sink in. Doing the right work for the right reasons will result in equal reaction (not opposite as in physics) of joyful, gracious, and abundantly fulfilling payments.

If you notice people who work hard, invest their time properly, and are kind to others, they have homes that are solid, families that are healthy, and if you go through the rooms of their house they are clean, organized, smell good, and have a good aura. If you are acting without integrity, scattered with your goals, and do not care about others or your actions, and if I went through your living quarters, I am sure it may be dirty, clothes everywhere, unkempt, disheveled, and without good aura, a result of what you have put into your life. Of course, not everyone is like this. Many can put on a good front, have a clean house, but be internally distraught, dissatisfied, and lost. My example is a metaphor, not truth for everyone, but you see my point.

I am not Oprah, Dr. Phil, a motivational speaker, CEO of a Fortune 500 company, famous athlete, New York Times Best Seller, or guru. I am not perfect. I am not someone who feels they have all the answers. I am someone that wants you to be a better you, and live a fulfilling life before your short time on this planet is over, and seeking to inspire you to utilize this new start on New Years Day, and “Win in 2010!”. Make this your time to reflect, move forward, do what really matters, inspire others, improve lives, and achieve all your dreams!

Sincerely,

Brian Siegel

www.heartprints.org

www.siegelinnovations.com

“We’re as great as we help others become!”

heartprints "Coffee With A Cause!"

2009-12-21T10:04:00.001-08:00

"Coffee With A Cause!"
Coffee for Community – Community for Coffee

Got Beans?

Support "community driven - positive impact" efforts with heartprints - Why buy Corporate or Retail Coffee when you can BUY YOUR COFFEE FROM US! You may have beans, but not our beans.

"Start Your Day a Different Way!" Make us part of your morning wake up routine, afternoon meeting, energize your evening, or give our coffee as a gift or a thank you! Not only will you enjoy the warm aroma of the rich quality flavor Honduran blend cup of coffee, but also warm your heart knowing that you contributed to helping improve lives! Plus, you can write off your purchase!

General Information
• heartprints Coffee = "Coffee With A Cause!" benefits our 501(c)(3) non-profit initiatives for heartprints focused on Mentoring, Jobs, and Outreach to help youth, families, and our communities thrive
• 100% Honduran Blend, Classic Gourmet Roast (also available unroasted upon request)
• Cost $11.99 for 16 OZ (1lb.) (450g) Whole Bean or Ground Coffee which makes over 50 (6oz) cups of coffee. Price includes shipping in North America. International shipping adds cost which we ask you share the location to calculate before your order.
• You can also inquire about wholesale, retail, non-profit, and volume discounts at info@heartprints.org

Payment
• We accept payment through PayPal www.paypal.com, where you can reference heartprints inc. and send payment via info@heartprints.org • If you don't have PayPal, we can process through check or money order. You can also send us your order through our contact form at www.heartprints.org!

"Coffee With A Cause!"
• Our collaboration is in the Honduras and with our non-profit partner, so your purchase is "more than coffee"! It helps heartprints efforts, as well as our "community driven - positive impact" initiatives!
• To date, we have assisted building 3 homes, a school, and a water pump for the Honduran Community. Proceeds also benefit our local Cincinnati community, as well as our Outreach in Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, and the Central African Republic.
Help us do more, such as providing educational supplies, health products, clothes, food, and other basic needs for youth, families, and other communities! Learn more, share questions, or ideas about heartprints inc. and our Mentoring, Jobs, and Outreach initiatives by visiting www.heartprints.org

Ordering Please inform us of... • Quantity (in lbs.) • Roasted or Unroasted • Whole bean or Ground • Caffeinated or Decaffeinated • Plain or Flavored (and which flavor)

Flavors - Plain, Amaretto, Butter Rum, Caramel Nut, Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Swiss Almond, English Toffee, French Caramel Creme, French Vanilla, Hazelnut, Hazelnut Creme, Irish Creme, Toasted Coconut.

Seasonal Flavors - Autumn Spice, Cinnamon Pecan, Egg Nog, Peppermint Creme, Peanut Butter Toffee, White Chocolate Peppermint, Ginger Snap Cookie.

*Wholesale, Retail, Non-Profit, and Volume Discounts Available contact info@heartprints.org

Thank You for supporting heartprints! It is "community driven" leaders like you who help make a difference! We appreciate your business, invite you to learn more about us at www.heartprints.org, and also to visit our facebook and LinkedIn groups.

We hope you Enjoy Your Coffee! if you do not enjoy your coffee experience with us, we ask you share your thoughts at info@heartprints.org so we can improve our service, products, as well as our relationship with you!

Copyright © 2008-2010 heartprints inc. All Rights Reserved.

We invite you to visit us at www.heartprints.org to learn more about how you may get involved and participate with our positive impact work by Volunteering, Donating, or providing Supplies!

heartprints inc. (General Information)

2009-11-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

heartprints inc. is a community driven | positive impact 501(c)(3) approved non-profit organization that improves the lives of youth, families, and our communities through the focus areas of Mentoring | Jobs | Outreach to live a successful life.

We partner with schools, shelters, and churches to provide mentoring, tutoring, and also materials and supplies for those in need. Our CincyJobSpace initiative connects people to job leads, guidance, and resources for re-employment, as well as general career related activities.

Our Outreach consists of connecting our mentoring and jobs efforts to the materials, supplies, and other items to assist with basic needs so people can “go beyond the basics” to live a life of significance, respect, and success.

We not only provide our services in the Cincinnati, OH area, but have connected with schools, shelters, orphanages, churches, and other organizations with mutual initiatives and values to collaborate on providing our assistance by sending clothes, food, health products, and educational supplies. Our international Outreach includes Nigeria (Lagos), Ghana (Accra), the Central African Republic, and the Honduras (La Ceiba).

Our partnerships are with Crimson Outreach and the Think!! Campaign. Collaborating with Crimson Outreach has allowed us to utilize the sales of coffee (“Coffee With A Cause!”) from the local Honduran area to assist in building a middle class, as well as provide assistance such as how we helped build 3 homes, a school, and a water pump for residents. While mentoring with the Think!! Campaign in the Lebanon, OH Prison System, we discovered that 35% of youth in the shelters we had assisted over the years would see jail and or prison one or more times in their life. While mentoring inmates, the pattern of “thinking about consequences to actions” arose in each inmate’s story of civilian to prison example were the same. We profiled the stories of African Americans, Latinos, and Caucasians, male, female, rich, and poor to connect this powerful message not only to inmates, but to inspire youth to consider their decision making as well.

Our partnerships and collaborations allow heartprints inc. to support our efforts towards sustainability and long term impact through the Development of our DVD and Curriculum with the Think!!, as well as coffee sales from “Coffee With A Cause!” with Crimson. We also invite participation and support through Volunteering and Outreach with our events, projects, and other initiatives. This along with depending on the generosity of Individual and Leadership Gifts and Donors (Cincinnatian Society), Corporate Donations and Support, Sponsorships, and the donations of individuals/groups/organizations time, money, and materials allow us to exist and perform the community driven outreach we lead.

We invite you to learn more about us, our story, and initiatives at www.heartprints.org.

Sincerely,

heartprints inc.

www.heartprints.org

info@heartprints.org

Get Involved and Help heartprints Make A Difference!

2009-11-11T22:47:00.000-08:00

Calling all Community Driven Leaders and Friends!

As we are in economically challenging times, now more than ever we need to get involved. Company layoffs, financial losses, unemployment, foreclosures, hunger, and other basic needs are becoming larger issues. We need to connect as a community and make positive impact together. Whether it’s our time, money, or donations, it is our duty to get involved. I am reaching out to you because I believe in our mission, and together we can make a difference!

I introduce to you a way to make that difference with “community driven | positive impact”, heartprints, an approved non-profit focused on making impact through our focus areas of Mentoring | Jobs | Outreach. We amplify our efforts through our volunteers, donors, partners, and projects for sustainable change in our communities.

Our efforts assist the lives of youth and families who are in need of support to live a successful life. We bridge the gaps by connecting our efforts with shelters, schools, churches and related organizations. Improving lives by assisting needs around mentoring, education, jobs, leadership, and opportunities locally and globally.

heartprints initiatives
• heartprints project Mentoring and tutoring youth in shelters and schools, helped over 1000 students increase performance is 10% (one letter grade). Provided educational opportunities by giving tickets to over 500 youth and families to the Freedom Center, Cincinnati Zoo, Reds, Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Cincinnati Art Museum to share a few of our generous supporters.
• CincyJobSpace Our re-employment initiative to provide job, resource, and guidance. Over 3000 opportunities shared, connected with over 350 people for career and leadership goals through mentoring.
• “Coffee With A Cause!” Partnered with Crimson Outreach to improve our reach globally by improving the standard of living, jobs, and education in La Ceiba, Honduras through our partnership with local schools and also coffee farmers. Supported the building of 3 homes, a water pump, and school. Through the heartprints project, we provide basic needs such as food, water, clothes, and school supplies to verified and trusted contacts through international outreach in Ghana, Nigeria, Honduras, and the Central African Republic.
• Think!! Campaign Mentor and tutor youth, and members of the prison system to eliminate vicious cycles such as violence against women, and other negative decision making. We strive to improve accountability, leadership, and decision making through the awareness and consequences of one’s decisions. Due to more than 35% of youth that were clients of the shelter system seeing the inside of a jail cell one or more times in their life, we felt this was a relevant partner to have with our mentoring in schools and shelters.

We are in need of your support, and invite participation through volunteering and donations!

Donation Needs
• Educational Supplies pens, pencils, art supplies, crayons, backpacks, calculators, music instruments, sporting equipment, paper, notebooks, folders, vouchers, computers, tickets to venues, books
• Clothes t-shirts, pants, school uniforms (belts, pants, shirts), shoes, coats/gloves/hats, vouchers
• Health Products soap, shampoo, deodorant, mouthwash, toothpaste/brushes, diapers, toilet paper
• Food non-perishable items (multigrain, cereal, oatmeal, rice, water, healthy snacks, soup, canned goods)
• Other Monetary giving, job opportunities and training, scholarships, higher education, basic medicine, homes

To learn more about us and how to get involved, we invite you to visit us at www.heartprints.org. I look forward to collaborating together in some manner to inspire true change through our outreach. Let us know how we can be of service and value to your initiatives. We appreciate your time, support, and community driven spirit tremendously!

Sincerely,
Brian Siegel
Founder and Chief Giving Officer
www.heartprints.org
info@heartprints.org

heartprints - invitation to support through DVD Purchase

2009-11-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

Check out a media piece on heartprints inc. partner the Think!! Campaign

http://www.cetconnect.org/MediaPlayer.aspx?vid=4414

Support our "community driven | positive impact" efforts focused on improving the lives of youth, families, and our communities through Mentoring | Jobs | Outreach by purchasing our DVD for $21.99 which supports our "community driven - positive impact" initiatives

contact info@heartprints.org
*title your email "Think!! Campaign DVD"
*payments accepted through charity approved and secure PayPal site www.paypal.com (reference heartprints inc. and info@heartprints.org)

2009-11-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day 11/11/09

Thank you to those currently serving in our military, and who are Veterans. My sincerest gratitude extends to you for defending liberty and freedom that we are blessed with. My heart also extends to the families and friends of those who serve.

Here is a link for a profile on my Grandfather who served during WWII
http://www.local12.com/ugc/cat/news_tips_photos/hs6CjTu4P0WbQ4SM_xJLfQ.aspx

This is a photo of Cincinnati Vet and our father/grandfather, Sgt. First Class Anthony "Bud" Raabe, who was a Cartographer in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater, landing in Japan just five days after the second atomic bomb. His war service lasted four years, and he departed from and returned to Cincinnati via Union Terminal. His name is inscribed in Delhi Township's Veterans Wall of Honor. He passed away in 1988. His five children and their families reside in and around Cincinnati, one of them my mother (Happy Birthday to you and Sis as well!!!)

I wish I could have gotten to know him better, and my thank you extends to my father who served in the Army during Vietnam, as well as the others who have stand for our American values.

God Bless You All!

Home Depot vs. Lowes

2009-11-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

VS.

I have made my choice between who I prefer between Home Dept and Lowes. My consumer experience and insight today may sway your decision as well.

I needed to move a King sized bed. I miss my truck, and need to get another one soon, so until then, I needed to locate something that would accommodate my project.

I utilize Home Depot due to location, but due to having been given a $25 gift card to Lowes, I decided to try them out.

I call two stores, they both say that they do not have rentals, then I finally locate a truck at the Lowes off Colerain. I called and spoke to a gentleman who stated, "I have one, no one's rented it all day, I can't hold it for you, but sure it will be here when you arrive". I take stock, and gamble this risk.

30 min. later, I arrive, and had to ask for someone to assist me in the rentals department. The lady unkindly asked, "What do you need?". I stated I had spoken to (insert name here) and he had a truck I could rent for a couple hours.

She said, "Okay, let me get someone to help you". Another gentleman, not the one I spoke with on the phone, said it was there, available, and asked for my drivers license and proof of insurance. He then asked, "What are you hauling?". I said I needed it to moved a bed. He replied, "You have to buy something to use our truck". I placed a key chain on the desk that was in a box of a thousand on the counter, said, "Here you go, lets get rolling!".

His reply was, "You have to buy supply". I am still yet to figure out what that is defined as truly, but assuming I would need to fill up the truck with lumber, dry wall, or other large items to be considered a "buying customer".

I asked for cash back for my gift card, and that I would go somewhere else. He then called his manager. The manager was told, in front of me, that "I have a customer that is asking me to break our rules and policy for our truck rental... and also wants cash for his gift card"... I interjected and remarked, "I never asked you to break any rules or policies sir".

He got off the phone, said they could not give me the truck, nor my cash for the card. I traveled 45 minuted out of my way, wasted time, gas, and energy to hear something they could have mentioned on the phone.

On top of this, they did not succeed on gaining my loyal customer service, nor was I appreciated in any way. Not one time during the customer service experience from entering to exiting the facility did anyone smile, ask if I needed assistance, how they could help, or go beyond their policies to figure out what I needed to accomplish, or how they could help.

"That's the policy, sorry". Is this how you grow your client base, build revenue, and improve customer relations? It's about building a long term (sustainable) customer through kind and caring information gathering, and also asking/inquiring as to how you can be of value and service to them.

In this case, they chose to not only ignore all these basic customer service "codes" for Development purposes, but felt is more appropriate for them to have a truck sit un-utilized, and although they had the capacity to put their resources to work, would rather shove a customer out their door unhappy, as well as allow equipment to go unused.

I then called Home Depot off Glenway on the West side. They said their van was out for the moment, but all their locations had a van. He put me on the list to be called, but the customer had just left to utilize the van to move a couch, and I had an hour to gain access to one of their vehicles before their deadline. Although he didn't seem too caring about my situation, I am an educated consumer and also am near the Home Depot off Ridge Rd., so I called them. No one answered the phones when transferred, so I took the risk to go there and the van be available.

Luckily, they had their van available, and I had the ball rolling as soon as I got there. The only hold up was that the credit card machine was not processing due to computer issues, or I would have been out of there in 5 minutes. It took around 15 min., but I gained access to a van in less than the driving time to Colerain, and was on the road. On top of that, the employees there greeted me with a smile, and assisted me immediately.

Both corporate home repair juggernauts has flaws in their customer service process, but the bottom line is we are all in a time crunch, and need our resources immediately. I accessed my needed equipment through Home Depot, I didn't need to purchase thousands of dollars of supply, then on top of that have to purchase a van rental, and they treated me like a person who had a project and they cared vs. a nuisance.

Customers fuel your revenue, growth, and business overall. Without them, your business dies. I hope Lowes utilizes this example to capture and create enhances value and approach with every customer who enters the doors from the parking lot, whether they merely call and need information, purchase a water, or thousands of dollars of supply for a large contract or home project. Treat every customer as if they are buying materials to build a new home, as each purchase and interaction is far more important to the individual customer than these corporations may state they realize, but lack action upon.

It is about the experience, and also relationships. Be available, be kind, be patience, and you will be successful. You may not swipe a credit card purchase for a large amount, but you will incrementally gain access to a customer's lifestyle, and they will integrate you into their purchasing patterns for current and future needs, as well as word of mouth referrals.

Do NOT make your customers pull teeth, sacrifice time, and struggle to gain insight and access to their needs, then ice the cake by allowing them to leave the door frustrated and empty handed, unless you want your competitors to "Thank You" for being their best Development Officers!

Marketing | Branding | Innovation | Development

www.siegelinnovations.com

I give Lowes "5 frowny faces down"!

MySpace Partners With Facebook?!

2009-11-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

MySpace discovers it is good business to collaborate with Facebook?! Curious to see how these innovative platforms decide to partner in the future due to Facebook becoming the clear winner in social media. MySpace has turned into more of a "Band/Music/Move Media Space" whereas Facebook has capitalized on what consumers or "social media managers" truly desire.

Message received from MySpace (which I would not have gotten unless they emailed it directly to me, as I check MySpace once a month if that!). They are intelligent to strategically align with Facebook vs. compete. We are in the world of strategic collaborations, and I hope to see some improved connectivity and Brand amplification from this and other interactions.

What's next, CareerBuilder partnering with Monster?!

Message sent via email: essentially saying "sorry and oh well!" - good thing I utilize facebook vs. myspace!

Important news about your cause on MySpace

Dear Cause Administrator,

Thank you for the work you've done on Causes on MySpace. Due to the lack of activity on MySpace, we've decided to focus our efforts on the Causes application on Facebook. On Friday at noon EDT, we will be removing all causes from MySpace. In the meantime, you can post a link to a cause on Facebook (or create one at http://apps.facebook.com/causes?m=82bb68ef) asking your members to change over. We appreciate the work you've put into your cause community on MySpace and we hope that the broader functionality available on the Causes application on Facebook will offer you even more opportunities to raise awareness, advocate for change and fundraise for your nonprofit. If you have questions, please email support@causes.com.

Regards,
The Causes Team

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Homeless For Half a Day - Day 5

2009-11-02T16:51:00.000-08:00

Strategic Social Experiment - heartprints inc.

I am intrigued by what I have learned. I am realizing the blessings I have, and how I can utilize this initiative to help others. I have learned how to connect to job assistance, medical care, utilize time and assistance from others, as well as how important it is to stay positive during challenging times.

Today was interesting, as I woke up to no electricity in my home. A power line was down, and caused my who neighborhood to be without electric. I went to the YMCA near my home, and even they were without electricity. Seems "homeless" was going to happen earlier today, ha. I called Duke to report the outage, and it had already been done. They have a recording to go through now and report this, but I decided to utilize this opportunity to test something out. I called and spoke with a customer representative. I shared the outage, and she mentioned that they are working on it and it should be repaired within a couple hours.

I asked her if I could pick her brain related to my experiment, and run her through some scenarios. I said, "What if I couldn't afford my utility bill?". She said to contact a local agency, and sorry. I then said, "Say this outage makes my refrigerator spoil my food, will you reimburse me for my lost food, and if so, to what amount?". She said, "Your food should be find as long as you don't open the door, and it should be good for up to 48 hours". I asked where Duke and she gets her information, and if they would be responsible if I got sick from, for example, spoiled milk if I drank it, caused by this outage. She said they get their information from the USDA, and that I could contact the Public Utilities Commission, as they set the standards. She followed that by sharing they would not reimburse for lost food in any way. Interesting. I then asked if they would discount my utility bill for the electric being out. She said "NO". I offered up this question, "If I made an attempt to use less energy, or did something to where I needed a discount on my utilities, would you let me pay less?". She replied, "NO".

It seems to me that it is okay for the energy companies to "go out" and not be fully operational at times and not have to provide a discount or customer service, but their customers still have to adhere to their standards they set. I know it's not like returning a shirt or something, but seems like what they say goes. I did learn that they are not responsible for lost food or related materials/items because the services they provide are out, seems like a customer service issue, but they have a monopoly on our loyalty.

It was pouring rain today, and super cold. I decided to check back with 5/3 about home foreclosure options, and follow up with Job and Family Services with some more questions. 5/3 said you need certain documents, so to print them, I utilized Super Jobs, as they allow you to utilize their printers and fax machines. This helped more than one would think. If you don't have a printer at home, and can't even afford food, this would be a great resource for you!

While speaking with Job and Family Services, I found out that due to being a single adult, I would qualify for food assistance only. This means that I would not have enough to maintain a home, utilities, or other bills, but I would be able to obtain food assistance. Of course, this is a hypothetical situation, but made me think of what it would be like if I were in that scenario. Wow, what stress, lack of hope, and frustration.

I reminisced in my mind about all that time I spent the other day at Job and Family Services waiting. I recalled how it was busier than an airport if they had $50 tickets (and if you live near CVG, you know what I mean!). People flying by each other, not talking, look angry, and in a hurry to no where. The color of the walls are as sad as the faces of people. I remembered the diversity, and how those with babies weren't crying, as if they were being strong because they had to, and didn't even know it. I thought of how once you were downtown and at HJFS, that the jail, courthouse, and related organizations where all near each other. Was this for convenience, or to keep people in need by each other. I appreciated the convenience for my experiment, but won't go down that road with this project.

I thought of how if one want's to get more than by in today's society, they must have a car, computer, address, business attire, health/hygiene products, and other resources that allow one to accommodate the work place, jobs, and adhere to the perceptions employers expect.

So many stories in that place. So many names and faces going in and out of the doors. Wondering, if they are leaving with hope for tomorrow, or despair and lack of care...

I reminded myself of the blessings I had that I took for granted. Having a phone, car, home, education, being literate, having a computer, that I can type, have my health, insurance, a driver's license, and had some kindness from strangers.

I learned you will be frustrated working with these agencies, especially the government one's, as they require extreme patience, may lose your paperwork, not log you into the system properly, treat you like a number (not everyone, but 1 out of 10 workers performed this way), and all too often are shuffled along due to the economy and large number of people they are interacting with. You learn your patience, leadership, courage, and endurance levels rather quickly.

I learned to be resourceful, such as finding a fax machine (ex. Library 513.396.6900 and HCJFS 513.946.1000). You learn to find a way, be savvy, and if you need to go to the Dr., find ways to make it happen. If you can't read, write, don't have a car, can't type, are not computer literate, don't have a phone, or know where to go, you will be in some very difficult situations. You realize that just having a phone number and email validates your more than you thought. Everything I have done so far has required having a social security number, address, and phone.

www.heartprints.org

Homeless For Half a Day - Day 4

2009-11-02T16:36:00.000-08:00

Strategic Social Experiment - heartprints inc.

Day 4 is here. I am learning that as there are lots of services and assistance programs, to get them, wait in lines, and find out more information to make it happen can be challenging. Not because it is complicated, but because of the patience, paperwork, and choices you have to make as to what you should apply for.

So, last time I shared my back was hurting. In this scenario, what would you do if you needed a Dr.? I called Job and Family Services, and they gave me information for Buckeye Community Health Plan, AmeriGroup Community Care, and "A Consumer's Guide to Ohio's Medicaid Managed Care Program". You could also call them at (800)605.3040. I found out November 2009 is the "new open enrollment month. These types of programs allow for affordable co pays, as well as needed health services. It even may cover transportation to and from visits as needed, and qualified for.

I began to think, "I can bash our systems, or we can feel fortunate that systems like these exist". Although they are not perfect, at least we live in a country where we have access to such organizations and systems. It truly could be worse.

I am sad to think a lot of people need medical attention, have children that need to visit the Dr., and are fearful to do so due to cost. I can integrate what I am learning into the "heartprints help guide", and this inspires continued learning.

www.heartprints.org

Homeless For Half a Day - Day 3

2009-11-02T15:57:00.001-08:00

Strategic Social Experiment - heartprints inc.

I begin my day thinking about the kindness of those who have been humble to listen to my experiment, as well as those who provided support such as the apples, resources for help, and just taken the time to say hello or even smile during this journey. I am beginning to understand that life is not about a high level corporate job, a $40,000 car, or material items, but through my interactions, realizing that it is about people and relationships. Of course, that does not pay the bills. So, I am motivated to obtain assistance, and find resources that can close the gaps from where I reside to what I need.

I think of the need for better awareness for food, water, shelter, transportation, phone, cash assistance, health products, medical, dental, and other "basic needs" resources. I think of how these efforts will integrate my learning's into a guide that provides this information. It exists in various forms, but bringing light to these resources with better unification inspires me. Also, knowing it will help others, motivates my drive to make positive impact and connect with our community.

I go to my appointment set by Hamilton County Job and Family Services. I arrive around 9:30AM. They warn me that there may be a two hour wait until I see a case worker. I sign in, and await my number to be called. I am glad I arrived early as the lines begin to mount beyond insanity. 11AM hits, and I go up to the desk and ask if I was skipped over, as I have seen everyone that I was sitting with be called. She checks the records, and says I am not a "no show", and am on the docket. I tell her I have to go feed the meter and I will be back.

Upon my return, I inform the same worker I am back, and made sure I did not get called. She said I did not, and was fine. 11AM turns into 12:30PM. I ask again, "What is going on, am I going to be called?!". She said yes, then went to lunch. I sat down, and was beginning to get restless. The seats are uncomfortable, and it's a sad environment. I over hear stories of family members going to prison, people addicted to drugs, mothers letting their kids wander off without guidance, and people blaming all their issues on others, and also there to get what they can. Not everyone was negative, a lot of people just need some temporary help, and are committed to getting back on their feet. I thought of all the stories behind the sad faces, and thought of my experiment. I also thought to myself, "What the heck, it is now 2PM!". I went up again, and 3 rounds of patrons in the same room as me were all seen. I asked to see the manager. Turns out that the worker messed up, and I could have been seen at 11AM. What?! I wasted hours that I could have utilized to get a job, find out about other assistance, etc. and here I sit, because of a worker's mistake.

I was furious, but this would get me no where. My frustration clear on my face, as I wear my emotions on my sleeve. The case worker explained the situation, and I admired my patience, as well as my dedication to this cause. I gained a lot of information. I found out if I lost my job, I would get about $325 a week in unemployment. This would not even cover my mortgage. I explained and laid out my bills in detail. She said, "Sorry, you are not eligible for food assistance, because if you get this unemployment, you will make too much!". What?! Wow! How would I pay utilities, my school loans, and for food?! One has to pick and choose where these small amounts of funds, great as the assistance is, will go.

I am reminded of the mortgage assistance options. You do this, you lose that. You get that, you lose this. It seems all the assistance programs help, but to what degree? You have those who unfortunately abuse the system without integrity, and those who really need the help and are working hard to improve their lives, but don't get enough assistance to move forward. Irony. It seems that if you work hard, have a degree, save for and purchase a home and achieve the "American Dream", if you are subjected to the challenging economy through the scenario I provided, you will barely get by, if at all.

After leaving there, another challenge arose. My back started to hurt. Seems all those rocks I moved yesterday at my house came back to haunt me. Normally I could call my Dr., but what if I had no insurance?! What do you do, where do you go...?

Homeless For Half a Day - Day 2

2009-11-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

Strategic Social Experiment - heartprints inc.

I wake up and my stomach feels like it is in a little ball. I barely slept, about 4 hours. I say a pray, take some deep breaths, and feel a bit better. I make sure I am aware of this challenge, and also to keep a positive spirit about this journey.

I notice a commercial for home foreclosure prevention, it's a PSA from Mark Mallory about a phone a thon. (877)728.9987. I call. I get a long recording, and after a couple minutes, the system hangs up on me. I call again, then the recording states they are not in at this time. Great, a service that should be around the clock, and it's not even a holiday, and they can't answer?! We need this service! I call a City employee, they don't have a clue what this number is or the project is for. My frustration begins to show itself again, I am short, and hang up. I call Laketa Cole's office and leave a message (still no follow up, been a couple weeks, but understand as she is running for re-election to her Council seat). I email them at their site http://www.buzzusnow.com/. I fill out their online form. I get a call back while I am calling them, click over, and it went to voice mail. They share that they are having a phone a thon with WCET (great, everyone can hear this challenge on TV, wonderful, ha!). I call in, goes to voice mail. I see a pattern similar to the 5/3 and Federal Government assistance programs and what happens when you try to get something done. I am not happy.

I decide that Albert Einstein was correct when he said "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result". I am now dedicated to finding out how to subvert this hunger, as it is influencing my headache to reappear stronger. I do not like this pattern, and as I am performing this social experiment, and look at my cabinets/fridge full of food, and as enticing as it is to cheat and eat some of it, I venture downtown to the Hamilton County Job and Family Services building. Parking sucks. No meters available, so I park around 1/4 mile away at a two hour meter. I enter HCJFS. The lines are out the door. I arrive at 10AM. I wait in line for 20 min, and am surprised it did not take longer, but the beginning of my optimism is directed back to glass half empty once I discover I waited in line for a number, and 20 pages of paperwork to fill out.

I am impressed at how fast I fill out the paperwork, but disgruntled as no one calls my name for an hour. I see a case worker, so I thought. Appears after waiting and waiting, you meet with someone to merely put your information into the system, then they set you up with a case worker related to your situation. I explain my experiment, they give me a card and number to return tomorrow. It was a made house in there, and I am glad to be gone. I was actually asked if I was a lawyer, as I was dressed nice. Noted to self to dress down if I am going to be "homeless". I begin to realize and remember that appearance is judged strongly by everyone in our society. We are human, this doesn't surprise me.

I begin to focus my attention on where I would go to try and get a job if I was laid off, and needed to pay bills, for gas, feed kids, and take care of mortgage. I began to think about going to the library, but found a place called Super Jobs off Central Parkway. Here you can get job assistance, job listings, utilize computers, and also fax machines.

I go there. I get set up with a job coach and entered into their system. I explain my experiment and also how I am trying to bring awareness to their assistance and other organizations that can support those in need. I do not learn much from my coach, and she actually asks me for assistance with her non-profit. She is also intrigued by my networking, linkedin, heartprints, and asks if I can help her. I am frustrated, and am also happy that this place exists merely on the fact that people can go here to utilize computers and fax machines for internet and communications to reach out for work. I see potential here for this organization to plug in more with companies that are hiring.

I began to drift in thought and think about, "What if I didn't have a car, phone, ... what if I was illiterate...?!". These resources are great, but can be challenging if you have a disability. I re focus back to my agenda. To discover organizations that are relevant to the "heartprints help guide", and to share my intelligence gathering for "community driven positive impact" work.

I over hear a story about a gentleman that feels he is wrongfully terminated from his job, and the lady he is talking to is sharing her story about how she was laid off, and feels wrongfully so after they hired someone else for her same position.

I began to think how someone without a job, yet would need legal services would obtain some. I visited the Justice Center. I went to the Information Booth, and I asked here where one would go to obtain legal services if they feel they were wrongfully terminated. She said, "I don't know". I laughed, and said, "If the information booth doesn't know, how will I know?!". She directed me to where one pays tickets. They laugh at me and say, "Who sent you here?!". They sent me to Room 115. They say, "Why did they send you here...?!". I told them my experiment and situation, they tell me I need to go to the Court House. I go to the Court House. They ask if this would be for Small Claims or more than $3K. I say, "Hypothetically, what if it was for both?". They say it can only be one, here's paperwork for small claims (<$3K), and I need to go to Room 315 for a case over that amount. I go there, and they give me a piece of paper to fill out, I explain I am doing research, they say, "Well, if you want a trial by Judge, it's $300 to file, if you want a trial by Jury, it's $500". I think to myself, "What if you have no money, no job, and can't even afford to fill this out and submit it?!".

I walk around the corner, and pass the "Legal Aid Society of Cincinnati". I enter, and wait on the slowest elevator known to mankind. I go to the 2nd floor, which I would walk to if I could have entered the stairwell, and save 10 min. on waiting. I get off the elevator, and explain my experiment. She says, "I don't know where you would go". What?! She provides me with some other resources that may help after I ask her if there are other avenues or groups that can. I begin to realize if you don't ask more questions, and are not courageous to ask, you may miss out on learning about where to go or what to do. Before I leave, I ask if I can utilize the stairs, I cannot unless I have a badge, and I do not have a badge. I wait on the elevator for 10 min., again.

I spend the rest of the afternoon thinking about how I would manage my bills, as the little money I would have would have to be utilized for mortgage, food, and utilities for basic needs. I remember I have student loans. I call them, explain my experiment, and ask what they would recommend. They share that you can put your loans into deferment, and ask if I want them to send me information. I say yes, and before I hang up, ask if the interest accrues on the loans while they are in deferment. Not to my surprise, they would. I recall this "Ask Philosophy", where you should dig deeper, and I inquire to the customer service representative if there are any assistance programs, ways I can get my loans dismissed, and how I may manage them. They said, yes, you can defer them, but that is it.

I have not eaten breakfast or lunch, and after getting off the phone, go over to Findlay Market again, and say hello to the same vendor who gave me an apple. He spares another apple, and I am grateful. This makes me feel good, and I remember that humans can be kind. I feel like I have lost 20 lbs. due to not eating, but feel light headed due to the lack of nutrients and food.

My Homeless For Half a Day experiment is showing me a few things. That people can be kind. There are resources out there to help those in need, but many do not know about them. We really are a society of "consumed" people, where we bank our success on the largest TV, flashiest car, and take a lot for granted. Going through these motions makes me appreciate a roof over my head, food in a fridge, heck - it makes me appreciate having a fridge!

Back to my "other half day", and will return to this experiment later. I feel fortunate I have this choice, and am intrigued by what I am discovering.

www.heartprints.org

Homeless For Half a Day - Day 1

2009-11-02T13:22:00.000-08:00

Strategic Social Experiment - heartprints inc.

So, you wake up, and you have no job, no money, and need help. First thoughts are panic, but then senses weigh in and say, "get up, wake up, move your feet, make things happen, reach out, utilize your drive, connections, and strength to fix your situation".

The stress level has risen, and my sense of urgency to find out what I can do to not lose my home, make sure my car doesn't have any problems, and that I am starving and need breakfast, but other challenges speak louder consume my energy.

My first action step is to document a plan. My plan consists of first finding out how to not lose my home, as I then would truly be homeless. Hence, this project is "Homeless For Half a Day", so forgive the cheating by having a car, home, and blackberry, but this experiment is to benefit those who are homeless to laid off executives. Part of the journey will be immersing in the homeless population.

I call 5/3, as they are the true owners of my mortgage, and therefor house. I call their general number, and they send me to the home/mortgage department. After going through the prompts, again, I find myself in a sense of urgency and impatience, yet the folks on the other line are calm, casual, and this frustrates me. I explain what I am doing, and trying to discover. They send me, again, to another employee. This employee sends me to the home foreclosure prevention line they operate for assistance. They give me their 800 line for their program to assist possible foreclosure on your home.

I soon discover that after providing all my information, they want me to go to a local branch. I go to the branch, and speak with a manager. She informs me that they need tax records, and other paperwork. I showed up with nothing. I go back home, get all the information, she runs my profile, and is kind enough to call 5/3 colleagues that specialize in home foreclosure prevention. She is also put on hold, then transferred to two other people. She enjoys my frustration, and sympathizes. We finally connect with someone that specializes in refinancing, but find out you have to have a job to refinance. Problem, this experiment does not allow me to have a job. We connect with another member of the 5/3 team after calling the 800 number the refinance specialist gives us. I see a pattern. 800.375.1745 option 3. The bank manager also prints out some paperwork that I need as well. It was 12 pages.

The employee at the 800 number that sent me to the branch, and sent the branch manager to the 800 number says that there is an option. The Federal Government has implemented a plan under the Obama Administration to help folks in my situation. I am then asked if I have missed a payment. I have not. This, we find out, is the only way that I can get assistance. If I miss a payment, hurt my credit, then I can get assistance. My attempt in this hypothetical situation has opened the door to discovering that even when you attempt to be proactive and prevent missing a payment, refinance, and find out other options to help your situation, there truly is none. There is no help without hurting so to speak.

You can put the payment on a credit card, but then they gig you 30% for cash advance fees, as well as the compounded interest you will accrue, and late fees due to you not being able to pay the minimum balance. I could borrow from my 401K, but then that is gigged with over 30% in fees as well. Some of you may be thinking, "Easy, get a job, and you'll be fine!", but one problem, on paper over 10% of people are laid off, and a more concrete number and statistics are showing that over 20% of people are really unemployed, which is not shared so "Brand America" does not endure the negative media and coverage around this statistic. So, while I seek to not lose a home, this consumes my job hunting agenda, which will be addressed after I find out how to not lose my home. The calls, visits, and interactions to find out I have to miss a payment for help consumes 5 hours of my day.

There was a gun store a few blocks away from the bank, and I thought to myself, mmm... but then realized that this strategy to get money to pay my mortgage was not of integrity, and the repercussions would surmount to prison time, legal fees, and hurt more than worth with such a short term instinct strategy. Yet, I was compelled to think of how people would be inspired to go to drastic measures for them, their family, to feed their kids, and our of desperation perform such criminal acts. I decide this is not a good idea, ha.

So, I leave the bank. I am getting a severe headache from lack of food, water, and the conglomeration of this with anger, impatience, and stress does not help my once positive energy upon waking up this morning.

I visit a place I have volunteered that I know would open their doors to me, provide shelter, and I could utilize their water fountain to quench my thirst, and dry mouth from talking all day about how to not lose my house. I find comfort at a table in silence with what appears some quiet, empty, sad homeless people that won't even look at anything but the wall in front of them, or their feet on the ground.

I find comfort and ease my headache a small bit with consuming some water, and can't help but think of the dirt and disease that may linger at this water fountain, not that it's dirty (it is) but with all the H1N1, Swine Flu, and other scares, and think to myself, "I don't have insurance/medical in this experiment!".

While sitting at my table, I think, "Well, where do the patrons of this facility and other shelters go for treatment, medicine, etc.?!". This will be something I add to my "Homeless For Half a Day" social experiment later, but for now, I have to find out how to keep heat, electric, and water flowing into my home, let along how to not lose my home. I am tired due to a headache, not eating, and stress. I am finding my attitude to become one of anger and complete frustration. This shows in my facial expression, and how I am sitting. I notice this, and sit up straight and continue on.

I call Duke, Water Works, and inquired how I can get help. Duke said there are community service agencies that could help, they gave me another number to call. Water Works did the same thing. I find out there are some organizations that help people keep heat/electric/water one during times like these. I am given more numbers, and more people to call. I am "phoned" out.

While walking around, I visit Findlay Market to cheer up. I say hello to a vendor, and he asks how I am doing. I say the typical/cordial "fine, and you?". He says I look like I am having a bad day. I explain my situation and about the experiment. He gives me an apple. I thank him, and my belief in the kindness of strangers and hope is rejuvenated. It was the tastiest apple I have ever had in my life.

My phone battery is dying. I go to the library by my house, which seems I am about to lose. I get on their computer, and realize this is where I and others could look for work, and also plug in my phone if you are luck to find a free outlet by your work station. This makes me happy, because I find an electrical outlet by my computer. I find out from google that the Community Action Agency can help me pay my Duke bill. I call them, explain what I am doing, they think I am crazy. They say you have to provide information, statements, and other information to get assistance. I think, "What if you didn't have a computer, job, weren't literate, didn't have a phone, or didn't ask the right questions...?!". You would not know what to do at all. I discovered being diligent and asking the right questions to the right person brings good discipline to this outreach project, and life in general.

The apple has not sufficed my hunger, as my headache returns, and I again seek food, and due to the library closing, need to find shelter. I am on the Board at the YMCA, and this is down the street, so I go there. I work out hoping this distracts my hunger, but it amplifies it. My stomach feels like it is eating itself! I don't like utilizing public showers, but here I have the opportunity to freshen up, shower, and try to wash away my frustration, hunger, and headache. Shower feels good, but I am not refreshed. I miss my home, and realize I am blessed to have the comfort of my own shower, food, bed, etc.

A friend calls, asks how I am doing, and I explain the experiment. He laughs, and says "Good luck". He also shares this is a cool idea, and asks how he can help. I find hearing from a friend during this down time helps distract my down attitude. I feel blessed to have great friends.

The "half day" is over. I go back to what I felt was not my dream life yet, and realize that I am truly blessed. I am compelled to share my journey, and come up with resources to help those in unfortunate situations through a resource guide, as there are agencies and organizations that you can go to for help, but many people do not know about them. I think of what I will do tomorrow.

www.heartprints.org

Homeless For Half a Day

2009-10-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Strategic Social Experiment - homeless, no job, no money, what do you do?!

I seek to bring awareness to the onslaught of challenges brought to us by, none other than, ... introducing, "THE CHALLENGING ECONOMY"! I will be doing this through the heartprints inc. platform, and through the examples, interviews, stories, and profiles, capture and assimilate data and helpful guidance for "heartprints help guide". This, along with heartprints "CincyJobSpace" brand and initiatives will bring awareness to issues confronting those who are homeless to laid off executives.

Yes folks, it is REAL! You may not know about this, and pass by someone with their head hung low while walking downtown, begging your for a networking opportunity, money, food, or even a beer. You may let this pass by your ears because you are "stable in an unstable" situation. You have a job, your degree, your house payments are fine, and therefore there are no issues, right? WRONG!

I am performing a social experiment, where I seek to discover opportunities to share with those in need, and provide assistance and guidance. Thousands are laid off, losing their homes, financially unstable, leading to issues such as hunger, poverty, losing their family, behavioral issues, and the list goes on an on.

I have a job and a house, so half my day will be me utilizing my wit, charm, and savvy (wish me luck, ha!) to connect with resources for assistance, and the kindness of strangers to help me. I will need food, electricity (to charge my blackberry), computer (to blog and track my journey so you are in tune with it), shelter (it's getting cold), water, shower, and other basic needs to get by.

I am launching this "Brand America" social experiment to bring awareness to issues confronting our communities, as well as the non profit heartprints inc. The work and innovation will be strategically directed by siegel innovations.

We encourage you to share this with others, blog, twitter, facebook, ning, email, text, and other social media channels to bring awareness to this cause, as well as give your time, money, or materials by donating to heartprints approved charity accounts via 5/3 or paypal (info@heartprints.org) to support our efforts to improve lives and our communities through community driven positive impact initiatives.

Luceat Lux Vestra!
www.heartprints.org

"We're as great as we help others become!"

Home Foreclosure and Related Assistance

2009-10-13T09:31:00.001-07:00

Know someone who needs home foreclosure or related assistance? Direct them to this resource http://www.buzzusnow.com/

Innovator | Leader | Cincinnatian | Powel Crosley , Jr

2009-09-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

It is interesting and certainly quite fascinating that Mr. Crosley not only resided in Cincinnati, but was an amazing innovative spirit and leader who built his empire and inventions right here in the Cincinnati area. He is someone that all too often is forgotten, but his legacy extends beyond the grave from his connection to cars, refrigerators, radios, the Reds, and more I am certain yet personally naive, and must improve my knowledge economy. Ironically, I was at his former Mansion in Cincinnati today, which inspire thoughts of all the inventions and creativity that took place right here in the Queen City.

This type of leadership is similar to the "Cincinnati Renaissance" I am seeing form today. It may not be like the "Industrialist Days", but there are things going on that are in the same ballpark.

http://crosleybook.blogspot.com/2007/09/house-that-radio-built.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powel_Crosley_Jr.

Have a great week!

09.27.09 Brian Siegel

Spam the Spammers & Spoof the Spoofers Campaign

2009-09-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

So I get these emails, as many of us do, and they're from "My long lost Nigerian Prince Uncle, or family member who needs me to help process a payment. All I have to do is give them my credit and other private information". My goal is to expose these frauds, I fwd their emails to the government (send to Spam@UCE.GOV & uce@ftc.gov and see http://www.ftc.gov/spam/), and hope to assist those naive enough to "bit" or even respond to these fraudulent fools from doing so, preventing catastrophe.

I am aware that by doing this and posting their email I am furthering their connections and message to others, but if you read this you understand why. Feel free to utilize their email addresses to send them viruses, discover their location, or whatever antics you wish. I am not responsible other then exposing these criminals, and urge you to be an "educated online social media scientist" with the ever growing and popular "Information Age" we are in, and how others can steal your identity and private information to do some hefty financial and life damage.

I do not know how they get our email addresses, avoid getting caught with tricky information technology, routers, internet tricks, addresses, etc. but people do get taken advantage of, and I dislike that greatly.

Here's the "Spoof of the Day", enjoy

You're invited to: PLEASE URGENT ATTENTION
By your host: Djibril Hamed

Date: Friday September 4, 2009
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm (GMT +03:00 Saudia Arabia)
Street: With due respect: I am Barr.Djibril Hamed, the financial attorney of Late Mr. Morris Thompson, here in Burkina Faso. My client has a Dormant Account with a huge amount of Money Valued $27.2 Million USD (Twenty Seven .Two Million Dollars only) with (B.S.I.C.) Bank Burkina Faso, he died in a plane crash with his entire family, you can read more news about the crash by visiting this website; http://www.cnn.com/2000/US/02/01/alaska..airlines.list/ If your are interested to run this deal with me by using your account to receive his fund by applying as his next of kin, then I shall provide you with more details on how we should proceed legally, meanwhile 40% of this total amount will go for you as my partner and 60% will be for me, if you are interested get back to me via my alternative email address ( djibril_hamed@hotmail.fr ) for more details.

Should I reply and get my cash and deal or what?! WOW!

Beyond The Resume

2009-09-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

www.heartprints.org

Beyond The Resume

First of all, BREATH! It’s just a resume! All too often we allow ourselves to get bogged down and over complicate the simple steps towards our career and or life dreams. Keep it simple, relevant, and to what is essential to have forward movement. You may not earn that dream position that you were targeting, but wonderful things will follow you if you keep your feet moving! Do not allow frustration to consume you, and realize it is more than a piece of paper, and is more about the pre work you do for the person’s eyes that view your materials, as well as who they connect it to for an interview.

Do not allow yourself to fall into dark places such as a down and out depressed state of mind, as this will inhibit growth and your return on time. It’s not easy, with the economy the way it is, the way others are in fear, and how companies at times treat their workers, but you must surpass these traps, and be passionate about your goals, willing to adapt to change, listen to your talented support staff of friends, co workers, colleagues, peers, mentors, etc. and do all you humanly can to make your efforts worth everyone’s time!

I have been on the roller coaster ride myself, and will spare your time with my story for another time. I am not perfect, do not have all the answers, but wanted to share advice culminated from various experiences, mistakes, and even at times “wins”! I invite you to share your stories, examples, and also advice inspired by these tools, but also from other places. Give yourself permission and empowerment to succeed! I hope this assists your efforts, motivates you to not give up, and generates some innovative thoughts and energy for your goals.

• Think of your resume as a tool to gain entry to the doors you seek to open

• Are you confidently comfortable with your resume? Do you worry when you hand it off to someone else? Red flag! Make sure you can speak to what achievements you have mentioned, don’t extend beyond facts, and be poised when asked about ANY part of it!

• The top portion of your resume is your “5 second commercial”. Most HR and or recruiters glance over beyond knowing how you spell your name to the top portion and decide to toss it or move forward, make it stand out appropriately.

• Does your resume align with the jobs you are targeting? Creative/Marketing jobs = stylish with substance, Engineering or Process/Project management = strong examples of projects and the impact you had? Easy to follow/read?! Make it “make sense” and fitting!

• Do not burn bridges while you have a job currently, pray and stay away from others who are not positive, and make sure you don't put yourself in a position you will regret.

• Resumes are resumes/pieces of paper, forcing your to share who you are and what you are about in 1 or even for the daring 2 pages. We are all busy, understand that you need to go from “online to offline” and make that resume more than paper! Be an extension of the resume by your outreach, finding the hiring managers/HR reps, and others who can support, guide, and open doors for you!

• I have had 1 out of every 100 people I have reached out to assist me the way I needed. Some of it was due to my learning curve, communication, and attitude, the other reasons for such low ROI of my time was due to others being busy, not willing to help, not in a position, or knowing how to help. Improve your odds! Be confident, respectful, have manners, follow up with more than thank you’s (utilize something personal and that is appropriate to follow up with, i.e. if they like coffee, send a coupon/voucher for a cup of coffee, be creative, but within limits).

• Build a portfolio vs. standard resume. Share your resume, but also create a powerpoint not merely for putting up on a big screen, but utilize its functionalities to generate case studies and “context, action, results” write up’s with pictures and also testimonial quotes. Have it bound, laminated, and professionally (and done in an affordable manner) with the resources and time you have. This shows your genius, impact, and passion you have for your work and life.

• Earning a new opportunity will take a lot of sacrifice, make sure you invest not only in finding a job, but a good fit, balance with life, friends, learn, etc.

• As far as your resume, focus on empowering words/leadership, and show how you performed/delivered/changed/innovated/managed/built/made impact with results

• There are tons of ways to do your resume, you just have to buckle down, be disciplined, and get it done/be proud of it (think of what you talk about vs. what you feel it should say, and the more passionate your tone is, the more you will be able to speak with confidence during an interview

• Can you transfer internally? Perhaps this is an option, or if willing to relocate, or dare I say, even a demotion/create a value added position internally or as a consultant!

• What is your top 10 company list? Can you gather this information after reading your resume? Can you directly correlate the specific job(s) you’re targeting, or is it a guessing game?

• The more you share and in an articulately focused manner convey to others, the better they can help you! Does your resume send a clear message?

• Is your resume and or communication a lily pad of bullet points?! FOCUS! You are a BRAND, and need to manage your name, resume, phone calls, emails, and other outreach in this manner. Are you expanding positive brand equity, messaging, awareness, and capacity?!

• Be aware and open to admitting your weaknesses and areas of improvements. All too often we focus on our strengths due to it being easier to talk about, as well as manage when sharing materials and information on resumes/during interviews. Don’t focus on them as much as your strengths of course, but be able to answer to those “behavioral based” questions of “Tell me a time you led a project, Encountered a difficult situation, failed and how you reacted, Learned, Are improving at…”. It will help you stand out if you are genuine, honest, authentic, and if done correctly!

• Stand up straight, smile, and have a motivated / comfortable tone. Momentum and energy inspires the same energy. Think “physics” and behavioral science, and integrate this style and perspective into your outreach and align it with your resume.

• Get creative, but make sure you don’t get scary! At times we can be perceived as desperate, needy, over bearing, and we feel we are being persistent and respectful. There is a reason people with jobs are more apt to earn a new position, it’s their poise and lack of desperation while conversing. What is your energy level at?!

• Get feedback from friends, colleagues (be careful with this group), and others that you respect and they will give an honest opinion to you. Make sure you’re willing to absorb the critique, listen, and not get defensive, but react with an “offense” to their thoughts where you are weak in some areas. There is a reason you are feeling upset when you hear certain things, as well as hearing them more than once! Those are hints you should take stock in, and take action on! Everyone will have an opinion on your resume, if you’re comfortable and confident in it, focus on the other areas you need help with such as finding the right companies and people vs. being distracted with resume work all the time. It’s more than a resume, it’s a lifestyle of outreach and multi targeted approaches. See first few bulleted advice tips above!

• You must network (average resumes per opening is 800 resumes) you must go from online to offline (aka utilize linkedin, your friends, network, reach out, meet for coffee/lunch/learn, etc.)

• It will not happen tomorrow, you must invest heavily into your goals, companies/job, have a "90 second commercial" that you utilize to share who you are, your message, etc.

• Refine your resume, get it to where you are proud of it, but honestly people look at you vs. the resume (it is important and a door opener, but there is much more to maximizing your efforts)

• Stay drive, stay positive, keep on reaching out, be persistent, have manners, meditate, pray, breath, get creative, build your brand, and make your dreams happen!

• Other great resources and guidance for you:
• heartprints CincyJobSpace on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=34044503480&ref=ts
• heartprints CincyJobSpace on internet/website: http://heartprints.cincinnati.googlepages.com/cincyjobspace
• heartprints CincyJobSpace on blog (full Job Resource Guide list): http://siegelinnovations.blogspot.com/2009/06/heartprints-presents-cincyjobspace.html
• heartprints CincyJobSpace on linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=151390

heartprints inc.
www.heartprints.org

“We’re as great as we help others become!”

Turning 30

2009-07-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

Lessons Learned - Turning 30 and embracing the journey ahead!

So the day is here, I am now 30 years old (or young) today! This day 30 years ago at around 3AM I entered this wonderful world. When younger I thought, "30, wow, I will be a millionaire, own mansions around the world, have this, have that..." and here I reside, staring at the ever changing and moving dash on the timeline that is unforgiving and unstoppable. Here are some ways I have embraced my short time on this planet thus far, and some valuable lessons I have learned.

You learn "How you react to obstacles defines your identity", and that "You're as great as you help others become". Turning 30 reminds me that time is the most precious resource we have, especially due to it being a resource that you cannot create nor destroy. It becomes less about achieving these materialistic goals, and the great things in life are the relationships you have made, what you have connected with, and how you have reacted to the obstacles you have encountered. I approach this say with a happy energy of the great things ahead vs. what a lot of people do when turning 30 which is the negativity of what one has not achieved or done yet. This pit stop on my journey allows great reflection, purpose, and possibilities for the future.

We all assume a lot of who we will become, let alone who we are and what we should accomplish. I am comfortable with this day, as I feel on this leadership journey I am on that I have done much to help others, improve myself, and live a life of significance vs. success. I feel success follows you if you live the right way, surround yourself with the right people, and are of service to your friends, family, and community. You may not see the payoff in the short term, but for long term happiness and sustainability, I hope you figure out it is about these things. If not, I have learned from experience that we will have challenges, life's (God's) plan outweighs your desires, and it is easy to simply become consumed with distractions and temptations at times.

I have learned that we all need that friend that truly cares for you and will listen and be there for you when it's less than convenient. I learned you can count on your true friends to move you on a Sat. when it would be more fun to make up an excuse. I have learned that it is not always easy to truly appreciate where you are and what you have, but you better learn to appreciate it by being present and realistic or you will be a confused fool. This spills over to others and they will not trust or want to be around you if you are not authentic. You learn not to keep points, how to argue better (at times not arguing at all), that it's easier to change yourself than others, and a lot of people would rather avoid vs. confront challenges.

I have learned that freedom is realizing that you will not always understand, but it is important to forgive. Submitting to this is not easy, and never will be. Saying you are easy going and being laid back are two different things. That whole 'actions speak louder than words' thing really resonates. You realize that it is not appropriate to go to keg parties and stay out past 2AM or your whole week is a wreck!

You learn that all those mistakes you performed in the past really shaped and molded you into who you have become, and hopefully has allowed you to share your story with others to help them. You learn that you have faults that you really need to improve upon, and it is easier said than done. If you don't own the efforts you are leading with passion, you more than likely will not be successful with your initiative. You must learn what really matters, and how relevant those things that matter are an essential part of fulfillment for you.

You learn to appreciate others and their time with the little things, and that expectations you may have for yourself or others may need to be adjusted. People may seem selfish or unavailable, but they have their reasons, and at times they may not be significant, but they will frustrate you tremendously. You learn how to deal with others, hopefully, and you also learn that you may be around many yet feel alone at times. Being alone isn't always a bad thing, but you learn that you may have some challenges going on that only you have encountered, and once you let go of your pride and reach out, you realize that others are rowing in the same boat with you!

You quickly learn that there are corporate ladders, liars, and cheaters. You learn that you have to "move your feet to a different beat", and as long as you are above ground, your heart is beating, and you are moving your feet that all is good! You realize that others thought things about you that you never knew (good and bad), that your family really isn't all that bad and can be cool at times, and the way you looked at yourself isn't at all the way others see you. You will be surprised at how some will step up for you, and shocked at how others won't even be around.

Turning 30 makes me appreciate these things and more. You think, "where did the past 10 years go?!", and where am I going. You stand up straighter, and your smiles become more genuine. You appreciate life differently, and have formed into a more stable you, hopefully. This leads to settling into more of who you are, what you believe in, and also what you won't settle for. This at times can make you stubborn, ha. I try to remain open, willing to listen, and smile in the faces of adversity, differences, and others opinions. You learn to listen more, and talk less. You learn to that smiling and moving on is more important than remaining bitter. You learn that you have to take time for yourself, you will have to learn how to 'weather storms', and it is important to have good people around you for a sounding board and support.

I no longer have excuses, as this age number strongly states I must be a mature adult. We should be this before and after 30, but now it is on paper. I know some under 30 who act 50, and some at 50 who act like teenagers. I have friends whose face looks shocked when they find out I am 30 now, and those who are over 40 who say "Aww, you're young, if I could go back to 30's, wow...".

People call me sir, I notice my metabolism has decline and I can't just eat all that I want when I want, I can recall the 80's and 90's and remember the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry, Dallas Cowboys were America's team, Michael Jordan reinvented the art of basketball, MTV changed the media of music, Desert Storm, Weekly Reader, cartoons (when they were good), the A Team, MacGyver, gangster rap, grunge rock, the internet and life before emails/social media, and other pop culture fun throughout these times.

You do less searching and finding of yourself and more creating. You have some value to add to life through your experiences. Your perspectives change, and you don't have these lofty goals as they become more focused and realistic. You see that life is precious, your friends have gotten married, divorced, remarried, and have kids. You have gone to funerals of friends and or family that may not have left this world at the time anyone would have thought.

You learn you can't change everything, and you should still approach life with a dreamer spirit, but with a more realistic approach. You didn't become a rock star, pro athlete, or famous actor, but you can still have impact! You go to the Dr. and they're almost your age, ha. You learn, hopefully, not to take things for granted, how to manage your life and time better, and where to invest your energy. You learn, "Don't be the hate you hate", love more and be angry less. You learn how valuable improving your mind, body, and spirit is, and that you won't improve by sitting still. You realize that, "Good things come to those who wait", but, "Great things come to those who don't wait"!

I have made friends and lost friends. Made some really great decisions and totally lost my mind with others. I have forgiven and been forgived. I have asked for much, and and am lucky at times that I have not gotten what I have wished for (like the country song, 'thank God for unanswered prayers', ha). I have been in and out of love, had my heart broken, and broken hearts. I have had some great wins, and also some great losses. I have learned to have focused passion, confidentally moving forward, not let fear steer decisions, and be persistent. There are consequences to decisions, and you learn how to better assess situations as you gain experience. Wisdom is gained by taking (calculated) risks, and experiencing life. I have learned that manners are an important attribute to add to your character traits.

Things You Should Accomplish or Learn By 30
*these are what I recommend, so by no means should you base your life upon them, ha
how to sky dive
not to have bravado when skydiving, just admit it scares you until you land, ha
have a 401K (hopefully you started this at 20!)
not to wear a brown belt with black pants
do not wear brown shoes with black pants
how to put up with challenging co workers (and to manage up)
how to put on a fake smile and people don't know it's fake
how to tango or salsa, have at least one dance you can resort to
know a few (clean)jokes for any situation
be able to talk about 10 books you have read during various conversations
memorize your favorite poem
volunteered a several organizations to find where you love and can help
gone to your parents, siblings, or friends house for no reason and help them with anything they need without expecting anything
fallen in love
know how to fix a flat tire, replace brakes, and or change your oil in your car
learn how to pick out a wine and or taste, have a favorite wine
mentored some youth
had at least 3 jobs, and know what you like and don't like for a career
have a group of 5 good friends that will help you move anytime
traveled outside of the US
gone to an art museum
lived somewhere else besides where you were born
have a weekly workout regime
know when to let go of your pride and apologize
know how to respect others opinions, but know where you stand on an issue
know all the words to your favorite song
have a savings account that will support you for a few months (emergency fund)
know how to change the starter in a lawn mower
been camping
know how to read a map, and ask for directions if that fails
keep a journal
donate to a charity
been in a friends wedding
learn that your plans will change, and how to adapt to that change
learn a foreign language (and visit the country where they speak it)
travel to Italy (Venice, Florence, and Rome)
how to cook on a charcoal grill
planned a surprise party for someone
know 5 of your favorite bible verses
still send snail mail, and know your friends & families birthdays
have people around you that will be honest, help, and listen to you even if you
had a pet (prefer dog, ha)
gone to college, or attempted college courses (know it's not for everyone, gotta try)
painted a room
stopped by a friends or families place unannounced to just tell them you love them
have a business card
know all the words to "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" theme song, don't ask, just know it, ha
been in the newspaper for something
I will add more later, and look forward to things you feel you should learn by 30!

I have learned a lot, but by no means have it all figured out. Hope you enjoyed what I have shared, and I invite you to share what you have learned so far on your life journey!

I am off to enjoy this day, and am celebrating like any mature adult would, and that is with friends over pizza and laser tag, ha!

I leave you with thoughts from others on turning 30

30 Reasons Why Turning 30 Rocks!

Turning 30 by Andy Rooney

For the Ladies Turning 30

10 Things to expect after turning 30

Turning 30 and changing the system

Turning 30 chat group

Things to Accomplish Before 30

Loving Cincinnati

2009-07-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

What do you love about the City of Cincinnati?! The people, sites, River, schools, neighborhoods, history, buildings, art, design, restaurants, 75, "please", chili, Skyline, Graeters, Reds, Bengals, celebrities, music, OTR, companies, parks, all the 'walks' we have... Perhaps you have a story that has touched you personally, a non profit, group, or individual that has made positive impact... I invite you to share!

Fun site to share "what you love about Cincinnati"

Concept to share the "Cincinnati Renaissance"

It's time to stop the "I hate my town" attitude, and transform our city by transforming our perspective by "loving our city"! We have a lot of great opportunities, venues, and people that I belief can change the world for the better starting this 'movement' right here in our own home town. Regardless of which side of 75 you live on, we can surely unite with this idea!

Ode to the Microwave

2009-07-24T06:07:00.000-07:00

Oh microwave, how I love thee, let me count the minutes and seconds... I was thinking how life would be without you, and just couldn't imagine! How else would I melt cheese quickly on my food in need of the delicate delights of melted loveliness, just would not be right. Without you I would be left with the oven, which is great and I love for cooking on the skillet and baking needs, but lets be transparent with each other, you save me money and time. Please don't tell oven, I do like the taste of my pizzas from it, as well as baking the occasional pre mixed/cut cookies from Kroger when they're on sale and I see the yellow coupon sticker calling out to me when getting either the generic or name brand (depending which is on sale) croissant/crescent rolls.

Oh microwave, I don't like popcorn, but when quests are at my home that do, you make is so much simpler to prepare the popping salty buttery flavorful smell good delight. You make left over pizza quickly warm again, but I do have a bone to pick with you, although it's warm again, it just isn't the same as when I first baked or ordered the pizza. All in all, you serve your purpose.

I admire how you do all this all without starting a fire or creating large amounts of heat. Learning how microwaves work from chemistry class and how you speed up particles to heat the food honestly scares me when I think about it, but I soon forget due to the short amount of time between submitting food to be warmed, pressing the buttons, and obtaining my newly heated product. Microwave, o microwave, how did we ever exist without you? Extensive time to use an oven, stick and stone, ... you have made life easier, but at what cost? I know you suck away nutrient with your particle speeding ways, and also extract juicy taste, but you save me time and money. You quite frankly implant fear in my heart with your super powers of controlling "electromagnet friction molecular cancerous celluizing deformating oxidizing agitation".

I apologize for the unintentional times I had products with metal or aluminum in them, or in my youth I tested your capacity to heat a fork. I never meant to hurt you, and also learned you don't like to heat certain plastics either. For all the explosive messes I created because I didn't cover things like spaghetti, chili, soup, and similar items I apologize. I learned this is not easy to clean, and often goes for weeks before you get a clean. I also know after numerous times that you love marsh mellows. I can't get over how awesome it is to simply throw a marsh mellow in you and watch magic happen.

To the work microwave, I hope you have signs around you that bluntly proclaim justice via the slogan "Don't splatter your platter" and similar reminders. I hope your friend the paper towel is around to cover and also quickly clean messes made on you. You poor community microwave, how I feel so much sympathy for you, ha.

I wanted to sincerely express my appreciation for you allowing me to continue the fast pace life we are all in, save me time, and also money with your electric ways. I truly appreciate your "Popcorn" button, as I use it for everything to eliminate button pushing steps. For all the microwavable dinners and various platters you allow us to cook in you, thank you. For all the products that you have to peel away an edge, as well as poke fork holes throughout, yet you still just can't heat up that bulky center of the food, nice try, thanks for getting half way there, and stay persistent when heating throughout.

So, next time you're microwaving your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snack, say thank you to your microwave. Remember, they need love too, just like you, ha. Feel free to share your pattern of microwaving, nuances, stories of community microwaves, abuse of microwaves, items you habitually microwave, or just share your love for your personal or community microwave in your life. Happy pseudo cooking!

Blog-grr

2009-07-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

+

= Blog-grr

HA!

Best Retirement Plan Ever?!

2009-07-23T13:58:00.000-07:00

A Well-Planned Retirement - From The London Times

Outside the Bristol Zoo, in England , there is a parking lot for 150 cars and 8 coaches, or buses. It was manned by a very pleasant attendant with a ticket machine charging cars (about $1.40) and coaches (about $7).

This parking attendant worked there solid for all of 25 years. Then, one day, he just didn't turn up for work. "Oh well", said Bristol Zoo Management - "we'd better phone up the City Council and get them to send a new parking attendant . . . "

"Err . . . no", said the Council, "that parking lot is your responsibility."
"Err . . . no", said Bristol Zoo Management, "the attendant was employed by the City Council, wasn't he?"
"Err . . . no!" insisted the Council.

Sitting in his villa somewhere on the coast of Spain (presumably), is a man who had been taking the parking lot fees, estimated at (about $560) per day at Bristol Zoo for the last 25 years. Assuming 7 days a week, this amounts to just over ($7 million - or $280,000 every year for 25 years)!!! ALL TAX FREE, TOO!!!

And no one even knows his name.

heartprints impact

2009-07-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

heartprints IMPACT!

Outcomes | Measures | Results

By the numbers...

• Over 100 tickets provided for mothers & youth to visit the Freedom Center
• Over $3000 worth of clothing donated to Goodwill
• Over $2000 work of clothing donated to the YWCA Battered Women's Shelter
• Over 50 tickets given for youth to attend a Cincinnati Reds baseball game
• Over 1000 youth mentored & tutored at shelters & schools with average impact in performance of 10% (one letter grade) per student
• 20 shirts donated to Art program for educational supplies at local school
• 3 Families provided opportunity to attend "Thomas & Friends" at the Bank of Kentucky Center
• Over 2000 job opportunities & resources provided via heartprints "CincyJobSpace" brand/project
• 3 homes and a school built in La Ceiba, Honduras
• Over 100 youth & families provided the opportunity to visit the Cincinnati Museum Center
• Over 10,000 lbs of non-perishable food items donated to shelters, schools, and Freestore Foodbank
• Leading efforts to reduce the 35% rate of suseptability to jail time by shelter clients via heartprints & the Think!! Campaign

Thank You to all those who have helped make these great opportunities occur via heartprints! We could not have done this, and continue our outreach without you!

"We're as great as we help others become!"

A Love Story

2009-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ahh, love at last... interesting story. Maybe he should have sent the letter via email, but then it would not have had this impact. Got to show some love for the power of old fashion 'snail mail' (in this case, 'super snail mail'!) and the impact it had in this situation!

Lost love letter reunites couple after 16 years

A British man and his Spanish former sweetheart have finally married 16 years after they drifted apart, … Mon Jul 20, 5:33 am ET
LONDON (AFP) – A British man and his Spanish former sweetheart have finally married 16 years after they drifted apart, reunited by a love letter lost behind a fireplace for over a decade, reports said Monday.

Steve Smith and Carmen Ruiz-Perez, both now 42, fell in love 17 years ago when she was a foreign exchange student in Brixham, and got engaged after only a year together.

But their relationship ended after she moved France to run a shop in Paris.

A few years later, in a bid to rekindle their love, Smith sent a letter to her mother's home in Spain. It was placed on the mantelpiece, but slipped down behind the fireplace and was lost for over a decade.

The missing missive was only found when builders removed the fireplace during renovation work.

"When I got the letter I didn't phone Steve right away because I was so nervous," Ruiz-Perez told the Herald Express local newspaper.

"I nearly didn't phone him at all. I kept picking up the phone then putting it down again.

"But I knew I had to make the call."

When they were reunited, it was as if time had stood still, said Smith, a factory supervisor.

"When we met again it was like a film. We ran across the airport into each other's arms. We met up and fell in love all over again. Within 30 seconds of setting eyes on each other we were kissing.

"I'm just glad the letter did eventually end up where it was supposed to be," he said, after the couple married last Friday.

Race for the Cure: heartprints team

2009-06-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

My dear, near, and incredibly talented & "community driven" friends:

Abby, Sarah, Natalie, and myself have formed a "Race for the Cure" Team, and invite you to join us! We have friends & family that have been affected by cancer, and are gathering to join efforts to 'walk for a purpose' and take part in the Race (info below &http://www.komencincinnati.org/site/TR/Race/General?team_id=10060&pg=team&fr_id=1030&et=OstMSY7zEAfSKcjONgnrCA..&s_tafId=7480 ). Our team name is "heartprints", and you can view the group/our accounts below.

The site isn't too 'user friendly', but once you figure out how to look up our team/join, see info after logging in on the right at "My Race Center".

We'd be honored of you joined us, and regardless, appreciate your wonderful friendship, but if you don't join, we of course must break up, ha! Feel free to share this with our other friends, and hope to see you all soon! If you have any questions @ the Race, let me know!

"Race for the Cure" Team:

Welcome to Our Team Page!
In honor of the beautiful women in our lives who have struggled with or lost their fight with breast cancer, we have decided to form a team and join the Race for the Cure!
Please join us and Heartprints, a wonderful non profit organization helping the community to fullfill it's potential, as we walk or run to help raise funds for an amazing cause! We would LOVE to have as many people as possible be with us!
If you can't make it, you can also make a donation to a team member by clicking on their name below and visiting their personal page. Or, if you prefer, you may make a donation to our team as a whole.
THANK YOU for your support of Team Heartprints and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!
Sarah, Brian and Abigail

racing with purpose
team "heartprints" racing with purpose!
Join us as we 'race for the cure' in memory of Joan Raabe, and our friend Abby Dindo's aunt Christine who both passed from cancer.
We invite you to participate by partnering with the 'heartprints' team to inspire a cure, and honor their (and so many others) memories.
Thank You,
Brian Siegel

A message from Abigail Dindo afdindo@yahoo.com.

Dear Friends and Family,
My friend Brian, my sister Sarah and I have formed Team heartprints for the Komen Greater Cincinnati Race for the Cure to be held on September 12, 2009 in DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI, OHIO. Each of us is participating in honor of someone we know who is either currently battling or has sadly lost their fight with Breast Cancer.
heartprints, Inc. is a non-profit organization founded by my friend Brian, that provides community outreach programs to the Greater Cincinnati area. As Breast Cancer has personally impacted his life, Brian has graciously allowed us to use the heartprints name for our team.
So why, you ask, am I emailing you? We want your help!
Ways to participate:
Register to participate in the Race for the Cure- Join Team Heartprints! The bigger the group, the better!
Make a donation ONLINE by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message
Make a donation by mail to the Komen Greater Cincinnati Affiliate (address below) Find out if your employer sponsors a matching gift program, and ask to support Komen
Komen Greater Cincinnati Affiliate - 522 Cincinnati Mills Dr. Suite C281 Cincinnati, OH 45240
Donations are tax-deductible and will fund innovative outreach and awareness programs for medically underserved communities in Greater Cincinnati and national breast cancer research.
Thank you for your support!
Abigail Dindo
Click here to visit my personal page.
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://www.komencincinnati.org/site/TR/Race/General?px=1220901&pg=personal&fr_id=1030&et=k5aJ62PYIHUSS_kJSjD5Sw..&s_tafId=7480
Click here to view the team page for Team Heartprints
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://www.komencincinnati.org/site/TR/Race/General?team_id=10060&pg=team&fr_id=1030&et=OstMSY7zEAfSKcjONgnrCA..&s_tafId=7480

If you no longer wish to receive email messages sent from your friends on behalf of this organization, please click here or paste this URL into your browser: http://www.komencincinnati.org/site/TellFriendOpt?action=optout&toe=b99e03667351b7decbe489d2cd2c326a788caad93dc83394

join the heartprints team!
We inspire you to participate by joining our team!

http://www.siegelinnovations.blogspot.com/

Luceat Lux Vestra!
Brian Siegel
513.295.3533
brian.siegel@yahoo.com
www.heartprints.org
www.siegelinnovations.com

"We're as great as we help others become!"

Avoiding the "Empty Mortar Effect"

2009-06-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

“Empty Mortar Effect”
Avoid having your innovation ignored or being a distraction

After watching the local news a couple days ago, I heard yet another story of a “bomb” or explosive device found. Whenever this happens, it creates a huge distraction. Police, firefighters, ambulance, EMT’s, bomb squad, investigators, media, community, etc. involvement. It’s all this hype, distraction, and huge waste of money when you have such a scare, and we’re fortunate when it’s ‘empty’ or non explosive. We see all the energy it takes to address the concern of a potential threat, then it usually ends up being some World War II weapon/device that someone threw out from a yard sale or got tossed by accident (or in some cases on purpose) that creates this huge investment of time, effort, energy, and people.

I thought of this, and it made me think of a meeting I had been a part of. I had presented all these ideas where some where BIG, some a far reach to be relevant yet I personally had passion to integrate them, and others made sense. As I was thinking of this meeting, and watching all the hoopla around this mortar dud, I thought, “Wow, I was an ‘empty mortar’ during that meeting with a lot of ideas!”. You could also call this the "Barking Dog" principal as well! I followed up to my meeting with the leaders involved to refine & polish the objective, as well as relate the agenda/ideas around it to the mission better. I did not want to continue being an ‘empty mortar’ and have this effect of being a distraction and not adding value. I wanted to provide a ‘punch’, be of service with creativity, but with a refined presentation.

I had great ideas, but was wondering why my incredible (at least I thought so, ha) innovations weren’t being acted upon immediately. Was it me, my timing, the idea…?! They made sense, they were fitting & conducive to our efforts, they were low cost, high return, and with a few team members could be led & implemented into our systems ASAP! I realized it wasn’t my idea as much as it was properly approaching people in the right way to share your thoughts & how it would be helpful to your goals. Sharing solutions vs. problems. I realized that when informing the right people via one on one meetings, then if appropriate, having a group ‘meeting of the minds’ to brainstorm around your innovation also helps. Just having an idea is one thing, but sharing it the right way with the right people, aligning it with your goals, and communicating it properly truly helps implementation.

We've all had great ideas & thought of ways to make something better, but at one time or another either didn't take action on it, or the idea was shot down. Avoid being shot down, and avoid the 'Empty Mortar Effect'! Empower yourself to be a driving 'force of nature' to be reckoned with & passionate representation of your idea. Own it & lead with focus! Frame/structure it so people understand in a brief presentation. Share the top three benefits & how this can be led efficiently with current resources. Don’t be a 'barking dog' and blurt out an idea or touch upon it lightly. Avoid being an ‘empty mortar’ and having a platform & resources to share an idea, but allowing it to dissipate because of distractions & not approaching & aligning it properly. Passionately share your exciting & innovative idea & it's impact the right way, and you will not be a distraction, but a show your abilities & be that ‘rock star’ you are!

Top 10 Ways to Have Your Innovation Implemented
1. It is of positive impact (and generates connectivity & sustainability)
2. Utilizes & leverages current resources (be cost aware, integrate + collaborate where you can!)
3. Avoids duplication (has a good model/framework?)
4. You present it to the right people the right way
5. Have a focused presentation you can share with a group (don’t over think it, make it simple & understandable)
6. Walk people through how it works, what it can do, and next steps
7. Have passion about it (believe in it, own it, and have a positive attitude & tone)
8. Communicate it with clarity & consistency constantly
9. Show the ‘substance & style’ of your idea (creative portrait)
10. Be realistic & patient (does it make sense, fit, work, need too much investment/resources…?)

Happy Innovating!
Brian Siegel
www.siegelinnovations.com
www.heartprints.org

Copyright © 2009 by Brian Siegel, heartprints inc. & siegel | innovations. All Rights Reserved.